Newly Released Footage Sheds Light on Brown University Shooting Chaos
Recently disclosed video and audio recordings from the deadly shooting at Brown University, which resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others, have provided new insights into the December incident. The release aims to uphold transparency while addressing concerns about potential trauma for those affected.
City Officials Cite Transparency and Trauma Concerns in Release
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley emphasized that the city was legally obligated to release the records under the state's Access to Public Records Act. However, steps were taken to minimize harm. "It is incredibly important to me that the city of Providence remains fully transparent, accountable and compliant with the state’s Access to Public Records Act," Smiley stated. "We also know that the footage and audio we are required to release will likely be harmful and traumatizing for the victims, families and neighbors who are still trying to heal and recover from this incident."
Audio Captures Initial Emergency Calls from Campus Police
Among the materials made public is audio of a Brown University police officer contacting city police at 4:07 pm. The officer reported, "This is Brown police. We have confirmed gunshots at 184 Hope Street. We do have a victim but we do not know where they are." Just four minutes later, campus police provided a suspect description: "We have a suspect description, wearing all black and a ski mask, unknown travel direction."
Bodycam Footage Highlights Confusion and Fear During Response
The city also released approximately 20 minutes of body-camera footage from the officer leading the initial response. The video, which has been heavily redacted or partially obscured, depicts officers uncertain if the shooter remained inside the building and scrambling to evacuate students safely. Scattered backpacks, gloves, and personal items are visible as officers search rooms and hallways. In the footage, the officer asks, "Let’s get these rescues in, where are we staging rescue?" and later warns, "Shooter might still be in the building, so use caution alright." No additional body-camera footage was released.
Delayed Release at Request of Victims' Families
City officials explained that the records were released on Monday after a delay requested by the victims' families, allowing time for a memorial service held on Brown's campus last week. The material was heavily redacted to protect victims and prevent further trauma.
Details of the Deadly Attack and Broader Investigation
On December 13, gunman Claudio Neves Valente, 48, opened fire during a study session at a Brown academic building, killing 19-year-old sophomore Ella Cook and 18-year-old freshman MukhammadAziz Umurzokov. Nine others were wounded. Authorities revealed that Neves Valente, a former Brown graduate student, also killed MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro at his Massachusetts home. Neves Valente was found dead days later in a New Hampshire storage facility. The US Justice Department indicated he planned the attacks for years and left behind videos confessing to the killings, though no motive was provided. The FBI recovered these videos from an electronic device found at the storage facility.
