Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
In Providence, Rhode Island, the manhunt for the gunman responsible for the deaths of two Brown University students persists, entering its fourth day. Tension remains high among students and residents as officials strive to identify the suspect.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Providence Police released video footage from neighborhood cameras depicting an individual wearing dark clothing and a face mask, who is believed to be the shooter. Authorities are hopeful that someone may recognize the suspect by his movements, gestures, or posture. Initial evidence suggests the suspect was in the vicinity as early as 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, seemingly surveilling the area.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha expressed confidence that the individual captured on video is the shooter; however, the motive behind the assault remains unclear. Over 200 tips have been received and are currently under review.
The tragedy unfolded in an unlocked engineering and physics building during exam time. Armed with a 9mm firearm, the shooter open fired in a classroom before fleeing, leading to the deaths of two students and injuries to eight others, with seven requiring hospitalization, including one in critical condition.
With nearly 11,000 students at Brown University, campus security measures have been intensified following the incident. The number of safety staff has doubled, and building access has been restricted. The university has canceled classes and exams for the rest of the week, prompting many students to leave the city.
The College Hill community remains vigilant, with residents locking doors as police conduct door-to-door inquiries for surveillance footage. Some families, such as that of Patrick Moran, have opted to keep their children home as a precaution. Providence's public schools are still operational, but after-school programs have been suspended.
The two victims were identified as 19-year-old Ella Cook from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and 18-year-old Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov from Virginia. Cook was noted for her leadership in the College Republicans, while Umurzokov was remembered as a kind individual with ambitions to become a neurosurgeon.
Authorities encourage the public to provide any information that could assist in identifying the shooter. Mayor Brett Smiley emphasized the absence of credible new threats, but underscored the need for ongoing caution as the investigation continues.
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