A gunman opened fire inside a classroom at Brown University on December 13, 2025, killing two students and wounding nine others during the university's final exam period. The attack occurred in the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building, located on the eastern end of the campus in Providence, Rhode Island. As of December 15, 2025, the shooter remains at large, with a multi-agency manhunt underway.
The shooting unfolded around 4:00 PM local time, when the assailant entered a first-floor classroom hosting a review session for an economics course. Witnesses reported that the gunman burst through the doors, shouted something unintelligible, and began firing a 9-millimeter handgun. Students attempted to take cover in the stadium-style seating as shots rang out, and the shooter fled the scene on foot shortly afterward. University officials issued an active shooter alert at 4:22 PM, prompting an immediate campus-wide shelter-in-place order.
The two students who lost their lives were identified as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old from Virginia of Uzbek origin, and Ella Cook, a 19-year-old from Alabama. Umurzokov was remembered as a dedicated scholar with aspirations to become a neurosurgeon, while Cook served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans and was known for her kindness and musical talent as a pianist. Nine other students sustained injuries, with reports indicating seven in critical but stable condition, one in critical condition, and one treated and released.
Law enforcement described the suspect as a male of stocky build, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing all black clothing and a face covering, possibly a camouflage grey mask. Surveillance footage captured the individual walking away from the building and nearby streets both before and after the incident. Authorities have released additional images and videos to the public, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A person of interest was detained but subsequently released after evidence indicated no connection to the crime.
The university has canceled all remaining classes, exams, papers, and projects for the Fall 2025 semester, citing concerns for the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, though certain campus areas remain restricted as active crime scenes. Enhanced security measures are in place, and counseling resources continue to be offered to the community.
Students and families have expressed profound grief and anxiety in the wake of the event. Thousands of students were relocated to safe locations overnight following the shooting, and many have since departed for winter break. The Brown community remains in mourning, with university leaders emphasizing support for affected families and a commitment to recovery.