Summary:
On Monday, Brown University officials released new video and audio footage from a December shooting that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley explained that the city withheld some graphic content to protect the victims’ families. Media outlets had sought access to body camera footage and recordings shortly after the incident, which began with campus police reporting gunshots at 4:07 p.m.
The released footage, heavily edited, shows chaotic scenes as officers searched for victims and a potential shooter. Officials stated that while the footage provides a comprehensive view, it does not answer questions about the shooter’s motives.
The attacker, 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente, opened fire during a study group session, killing students Ella Cook and Mohammadaziz Umruzokov. Valente allegedly planned the attack for years and left behind a video confession. Additionally, a separate investigation found he had been tied to a previous fatality in New Hampshire. The city delayed the footage release at the request of victims’ families, who expressed concern about the impact on their healing process.
