Police and federal authorities continue to search for the suspect responsible for the December 13 mass shooting at Brown University, which left two students dead and nine others wounded, after investigators released a previously detained person of interest and said evidence indicated the attacker remains at large.
On Tuesday, law enforcement released additional surveillance videos of the masked gunman and confirmed that an enhanced photograph is expected to be made public.
The FBI described the suspect as a male approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.
The shooting occurred inside an engineering classroom in the Barus & Holley Building while final exams were underway.
Students barricaded themselves inside classrooms and offices as officers conducted a sweeping search of the Ivy League campus.
In response, Brown University canceled the remainder of the semester, including all classes, exams, papers, and projects, and allowed students to depart campus early.
With the investigation entering its third day, officers continued canvassing surrounding neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage, and searching dumpsters, backyards, and nearby properties for additional evidence.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said investigators have a partial understanding of the gunman’s movements but are still working to complete the timeline.
“We have a good picture of the gunman’s route, but it’s not complete yet,” Neronha said Tuesday.
Authorities confirmed that a person of interest initially taken into custody was released after evidence pointed elsewhere.
During that detention, law enforcement recovered two handguns and two loaded 30-round magazines, though investigators emphasized that the individual is no longer considered connected to the shooting.
According to a law enforcement official, the shooter fired more than 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun inside the classroom.
To reassure the public amid ongoing safety concerns, additional police officers were deployed to Providence-area schools on Tuesday, as the suspect remains at large and no arrest has been made.
In the days following the shooting, online speculation intensified regarding Mustapha Kharbouch, a first-year Brown University student and campus activist, after multiple pages referencing him were removed from the university’s website and his social media accounts were deactivated.
A verified buyer from the United States with the name “Mustapha K.” reviewed a 9MM muzzle brake through the Wing Tactical website on December 29th, 2024 — the same caliber used in the Brown shooting.
A verified buyer from the United States with the name “Mustapha K.” reviewed a 9MM muzzle brake through the Wing Tactical website on December 29th, 2024 — the same caliber used in the Brown shooting.
There are approximately a few hundred people in the entire United States with that first name + last initial combination.
However, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Providence Police, have not named Kharbouch as a suspect or person of interest, and there is no evidence publicly linking him to the shooting.
University officials have not issued a public explanation for the removal of the online profiles.
Media analysts and observers have suggested the action may have been taken to protect the student from online harassment and misinformation, as unverified claims circulated widely on social media platforms following the attack.
Authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions based on internet speculation and stressed that only verified evidence is guiding the investigation.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Officials continue to ask the public to carefully review the released videos and report any tips that could help identify the gunman.
The investigation remains active and fluid as authorities work to determine the suspect’s identity, motive, and movements before and after the attack.
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