The governor of Rhode Island has insisted that all resources are being deployed to catch the suspect in a mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others wounded on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, Daniel McKee said: 'We want to see the individual that pulled the trigger on these young kids identified, apprehended and brought to justice.' The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities have released video footage of a fresh person of interest, showing a figure in dark clothing walking alone near the university campus in Providence. The clips, recorded before the attack, do not reveal the person's face clearly, as they wear a hat or winter head covering. Providence police chief Oscar Perez said the weapon used was a 9mm handgun, and the FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to a breakthrough.
The two victims have been identified as Ella Cook, a second-year student from Alabama, and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek national in his first year. Cook was remembered as 'an incredible, grounded, faithful, bright light' by her church, while Umurzokov's sister described him as 'incredibly kind, funny, and smart' with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Nine others were injured, one of whom has been released from hospital; seven are in critical but stable condition, and one remains critical.
The investigation has taken a new direction after a previous person of interest was released from custody. Rhode Island attorney general Peter Neronha acknowledged that leads can change, saying, 'Sometimes you head in one direction, and then you have to regroup and go in another.' Providence mayor Brett Smiley warned of 'fresh anxiety' for the community as the manhunt continues. The gunman reportedly fired more than 40 rounds inside a classroom during the university's exam period.
