In a tragic mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 13, 2025, two students were killed and nine others injured during a classroom review session in the Barus and Holley Building. The lone gunman entered Room 166 around 4:05 p.m. amid final exams, firing a 9mm handgun before fleeing on foot. The attack shocked the Ivy League campus and prompted an ongoing manhunt involving Providence Police, FBI, and other agencies.
The victims fatally shot were identified as 19-year-old sophomore Ella Cook from Alabama, vice president of the Brown College Republicans, and 18-year-old freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov from Uzbekistan, an aspiring neurosurgeon with a scholarship. Both were remembered as brilliant, kind, and promising individuals whose lives held immense potential in academics and leadership.
Authorities released surveillance footage and images of a person of interest described as a stocky male in dark clothing, considered armed and dangerous. A $50,000 FBI reward seeks information leading to identification and arrest. A previously detained individual was released, confirming the search for a single suspect continues without a named motive.
Amid the investigation, significant online speculation has centered on first-year Brown University student Mustapha Kharbouch, a third-generation Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon and resident of Providence. Kharbouch contributed to the Global Brown Center, focusing on Middle Eastern studies and solidarity programs, reflecting his commitment to cultural understanding and justice.
Kharbouch’s activism prominently addressed Palestinian issues, participating in discussions and events to raise awareness and advocate for solidarity. He viewed education and engagement as tools for change, emphasizing personal dedication to these causes through intellectual and community efforts.
Social media scrutiny intensified after Brown’s removal of Kharbouch’s online profile, fueling unverified theories despite no official confirmation linking him to the shooting. Authorities maintain the investigation’s focus on released surveillance without naming suspects publicly.
The victims lived lives well lived, marked by academic excellence, leadership, and compassionate aspirations that inspired peers. Their legacies of brilliance and kindness endure amid community vigils and calls for healing. Providence continues pursuing resolution in this senseless act of violence.