Five days after a devastating shooting ripped through the Brown University campus, leaving two students dead and nine critically injured, the search for answers – and the shooter – continues to frustrate investigators and ignite public outrage.
Despite the presence of 1,200 security cameras across the campus, a startlingly limited amount of footage has been released to the public. This scarcity fueled growing anxiety and speculation as families desperately await news and justice.
Law enforcement recently released a new timeline and images of a person of interest: a man seen walking near the scene just minutes after the gunfire. The individual’s unremarkable appearance – described as having a “pudgy belly” – contrasted sharply with the gravity of the situation, adding to the unsettling nature of the investigation.
Police are now seeking information about another individual seen “in proximity” to the person of interest, releasing photographs and urging anyone with knowledge to come forward. The tip line remains open, a desperate plea for a breakthrough in the stalled case.
A tense and abrupt end to a Wednesday press conference revealed a deeper layer of controversy. A local radio host directly accused Brown University of deliberately disabling security cameras to protect undocumented individuals, citing the city’s sanctuary policies.
The accusation centered on a specific camera allegedly removed to avoid recording or providing footage to federal immigration authorities. The reporter passionately argued that this decision hindered the investigation and denied grieving families the chance to identify the perpetrator.
Providence’s mayor swiftly terminated the press conference as the radio host continued his pointed accusations, attempting to defend the university’s actions. Officials maintained they had fully cooperated with law enforcement, sharing all available data and evidence.
The incident underscores the complex intersection of security, privacy, and political sensitivities surrounding the investigation, leaving the community grappling with grief, frustration, and a growing sense of distrust.
The lack of concrete answers, coupled with the emerging controversy, casts a long shadow over Brown University and the city of Providence, as the search for the shooter – and the truth – continues.
