Brown University Faces Backlash Over Security Failures
Unrest is mounting after a tragic shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine injured. The incident occurred in the Barus and Holley engineering building during finals week and has become a focal point for anger and frustration, particularly due to the university’s lack of internal security cameras. As the search for the suspect continues, the absence of video footage from within the building has raised significant concerns about campus security.
During a press conference on Monday night, a reporter confronted university and local officials, directly questioning why a school with a multi-billion-dollar endowment lacks basic surveillance systems. The reporter’s comments echoed a growing sentiment among the public, encapsulating the expectation that institutions like Brown should invest in adequate safety measures. “Some people watching will think a multi-million-dollar school with a huge endowment could afford new cameras,” he pointed out.
This moment gained traction online, underlining the public’s demand for accountability. A social media post capturing the exchange expressed frustration: “WOW! A reporter just GRILLED authorities for producing NO VIDEO from inside Brown University, despite their MASSIVE endowment… MORE OF THIS! WE NEED ANSWERS!” Such remarks highlight the disconnect between a prestigious institution and the safety of its students.
The shooting was chaotic. On December 14, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., an armed man entered the building and began firing. The weapon, believed to be a 9mm handgun or a “ghost gun,” raised further red flags about the accessibility of firearms. Tragically, two students lost their lives: Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman. The aftermath of the attack was marred by confusion, as police released only grainy footage from outside cameras showing the suspected shooter fleeing the scene. The lack of internal footage is seen as a critical failure in campus security.
Critics are scrutinizing Brown University, pointing toward its staggering endowment of over $6.6 billion. With such financial resources at its disposal, many argue the university could and should have implemented robust internal security systems in high-traffic areas, particularly during peak times like finals week. “We live in a hyper-surveilled time,” stated Li Ding, a Brown student, who voiced concerns about the inadequacy of safety measures on campus. “But clearly this isn’t being used properly… students are doing a better job of looking out for one another than the police are.”
The Barus and Holley building, home to critical engineering and physics programs, is one of the older structures on campus. While access is controlled through keycard entry, the heavy foot traffic during finals may have compromised security measures. Provost Francis Doyle acknowledged this, stating, “Cards are swiped to access the building, but there was probably a lot of traffic.” This situation raises questions about how effectively such systems can operate in less-than-ideal conditions.
The shooting has sparked wider discussions regarding both gun control and university security policies. Many are questioning if Brown is adequately protecting its students, especially when endowed with ample resources that could fund substantial security upgrades. Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez emphasized the commitment to the investigation but admitted that the lack of clear surveillance footage from inside has hindered efforts to apprehend the suspect.
University President Christina Paxson asked for patience from the public, stating, “This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community.” Meanwhile, local and federal authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are working relentlessly on the investigation, yet the prospect of capturing the perpetrator remains uncertain without vital internal video evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about Brown’s commitment to student safety. Attorney General Peter Neronha expressed the urgent need for answers: “We have a murderer out there.” Without the kind of footage available in many smaller schools and community centers, significant details about this case remain elusive.
The disparity in security practices between elite universities like Brown and other educational institutions raises eyebrows. Critics highlight that the age of campus infrastructure shouldn’t serve as an excuse, especially given the nature of the academic environment—which often requires a higher level of safety due to potential threats. Juliette Kayyem, a homeland security expert linked to Brown, poignantly remarked on the situation: “From the evidence that has at least been made public—no good picture of him, no identification, no one seems to be coming forward saying, ‘I might know this person.’ He seems to have just sort of… left like a ghost.”
For families of victims like Umurzokov, the fallout from this tragedy is heartbreakingly personal. His sister recalled him as someone who “always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation.” As students head home for the holidays, they are left grappling with difficult questions: Why weren’t there cameras inside the exam room? Why hasn’t Brown invested in security measures that align with its reputation? The ability of an unidentified gunman to commit such an act in broad daylight, without clear footage for tracking him afterward, is deeply troubling.
Brown University now faces pressing demands not only to rectify its security failures but also to actively engage in the national dialogue on how educational institutions can better safeguard their communities. At this moment, the facts are harsh: two students are dead, nine are injured, and the individual responsible remains at large—largely invisible to the systems designed to protect them.
"*" indicates required fields
