In a tragic incident that shook the Brown University community, a shooting unfolded on campus, leaving many questions unanswered even days after the event.

As reported by the Daily Caller, Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez admitted during a Wednesday press conference that he still does not know how many students were present in the classroom during the shooting on Saturday. The incident occurred in an engineering building during final exams, resulting in a devastating loss of life and multiple injuries.

The shooting claimed the lives of two individuals and left nine others wounded, sending shockwaves through the Providence campus. Authorities are still piecing together the details of what happened, with ongoing efforts to gather information from Brown University and the students who were there. The lack of clarity on basic facts has raised concerns among the community and media alike.

Unanswered Questions at the Core

During the press conference, a reporter pointed out that five days had passed since the tragedy and pressed Perez for specifics on the number of students in the classroom. Perez explained that the location was a study hall, and they are working with Brown to obtain a roster. He noted that the university sent an email to students asking them to confirm their presence, but exact numbers remain elusive.

Perez stated, “That’s all part of the interviews. And actually, we’re cooperating with Brown to get the roster.” He added that they are still collecting data on who was there, highlighting the challenges in getting a precise count so soon after the event.

The uncertainty extends beyond just the police, as Brown University’s president, Christina Paxson, also faced scrutiny for her lack of information. During a Saturday press conference, she was unable to clarify what was happening in the classroom at the time of the shooting, prompting pointed questions from the media.

Victims and Witnesses Speak Out

Among the victims were Ella Cook, a sophomore and vice president of the Brown College Republicans, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek national, both of whom tragically lost their lives. Their deaths have left a profound impact on the campus community, with many mourning the loss of young lives. The identities of the wounded have not been fully disclosed as investigations continue.

A Brown University instructor, Joseph Oduro, shared his harrowing experience with The New York Times, recounting how he was concluding an economics study session when the gunfire erupted. He and about 20 students hid behind a desk for safety, estimating that around 60 students were present during the incident. His account provides a glimpse into the chaos and fear that gripped those in the room.

Meanwhile, authorities have been working on leads to identify the perpetrator. The FBI, following a local police tip, arrested a person of interest in Coventry on Sunday, though that individual was later released, according to FBI Director Kash Patel’s statement on X.

Leadership Under Fire for Responses

Brown University’s president, Christina Paxson, faced direct criticism during a Saturday press conference for her lack of knowledge about the classroom activities during the shooting. NBC 10 WJAR reporter Dan Jaehnig questioned how, six hours after the incident, she remained unaware of whether students were taking an exam or meeting for a club. His pointed remark that her lack of information was “kind of concerning” underscored public frustration.

Paxson repeatedly admitted she was uncertain, offering no immediate answers to the reporter’s inquiries. This exchange has fueled broader concerns about transparency and communication from university leadership in the wake of such a crisis.

The Providence Police Department has also not provided further comment on the matter when approached by the Daily Caller News Foundation. The ongoing silence from key figures adds to the growing unease among students, faculty, and families seeking clarity.

Lessons to Learn

There are several important takeaways from this tragic event that can help individuals and institutions remain better prepared, though it is crucial to acknowledge that no one is ever at fault for becoming a victim of crime.

1. Ensure event oversight, even for informal gatherings: Schools and organizations should maintain attendance records or check-ins for high-traffic study sessions and club events. This can be key for accountability and safety planning.

2. Strong communication channels post-incident matter: After an emergency, timely messaging from institutions to both internal and external communities can save lives and clarify confusing or fearful situations. Waiting hours for clarity can deepen the trauma for survivors and families.

3. Crime prevention is a shared effort: While schools should prepare with proper security and protocols, students and staff also play a critical role by staying alert, reporting concerns, and knowing what to do during active incidents.

No amount of planning can eliminate every risk — and victims should never be blamed. But learning from each tragedy is an essential part of prevention and healing.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the gaps that can emerge even in elite institutions when crises aren’t fully anticipated or managed. The fact that law enforcement still cannot confirm how many people were in the room during a fatal shooting is deeply troubling and raises concerns about emergency preparation. It also demonstrates how a lack of information can distress families and communities who are trying to make sense of a tragedy. When leaders can’t answer basic questions, trust erodes quickly. As investigations continue, many are left wondering how campus safety can be improved — not just at Brown, but across the country.

Conclusion

A deadly shooting during final exams at Brown University this past Saturday has left two students dead and nine injured. Law enforcement is still uncertain about how many people were in the engineering building classroom when the shots were fired. One person was initially arrested and later released, and no suspects have been identified. The university’s slow response in determining the event happening in the classroom has raised criticism from journalists and the public alike. As police gather witness reports and campus leaders face scrutiny, the community waits for answers — and healing.