Brown University shooter at large: ‘Camouflage gray mask, in his 30s’

By_shalini oraon

Brown University Shooter at Large: Unpacking the Manhunt for the ‘Camule Gray Mask’ Suspect

A tense and unprecedented manhunt is underway in Providence, Rhode Island, following an active shooter incident at the Ivy League campus of Brown University. The suspect, described as a man in his 30s wearing a distinctive “camouflage gray mask,” remains at large, prompting a massive police response, a campus-wide lockdown that has since been lifted, and deep anxiety within the academic community. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what we know so far, pieced together from official statements, witness accounts, and law enforcement briefings.

The Incident: Timeline and Immediate Response

The crisis began shortly after 11 a.m. ET on Thursday when multiple 911 calls reported gunfire in the vicinity of Brown University’s Library, near the intersection of Prospect and Angell Streets—a central and typically bustling area of campus. Providence Police, Brown University Department of Public Safety, and multiple federal and state agencies responded within minutes.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene. “I heard two, maybe three pops that sounded like firecrackers, but then people started screaming and running,” said one student who was leaving a nearby academic building. “The alarms went off almost immediately, and we were told to shelter in place.”

The university’s emergency alert system activated, sending a stark message to all students, faculty, and staff: “ACTIVE SHOOTER. RUN HIDE FIGHT. Providence Police responding.” For nearly three hours, the campus was under a strict lockdown. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms, libraries, and dorm rooms, while parents frantically tried to contact their children from afar.

By 2 p.m. ET, after an extensive initial search of buildings in the reported area, police had not located a shooter or any victims. No injuries were reported, and no physical evidence of a shooting, such as shell casings, was immediately found. Authorities cautiously lifted the lockdown but maintained a heavy police presence, emphasizing the search was ongoing and the suspect was still considered at large.

The Suspect: Key Description and Search Efforts

The most critical piece of information driving the investigation is the description of the suspect, provided by multiple witnesses to police.

· Physical Description: A male, believed to be in his 30s.
· Distinctive Clothing: He was reportedly wearing a “camouflage gray mask” covering the lower half of his face, along with a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and pants.
· Last Known Location: He was seen fleeing on foot from the Green near the library, heading eastward.

This description has been circulated to all law enforcement in Rhode Island and neighboring states. The Providence Police, along with the FBI, ATF, and Rhode Island State Police, are leading the investigation. Tactical teams conducted room-by-room clearings of several buildings, and K-9 units were deployed. As of late Thursday, no arrest has been made, and the “shelter in place” order has been replaced with a community-wide plea for vigilance.

Conflicting Reports and The Possibility of a Hoax

The absence of victims or physical evidence has led investigators to carefully examine the possibility that the incident may have been a swatting call or a false report. Swatting involves making a false report of a violent crime to trigger a massive, armed police response. These malicious acts have targeted schools and institutions nationwide, causing terror and diverting critical resources.

Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez, in a press conference, acknowledged this line of inquiry. “We are investigating all possibilities,” he stated. “We have to treat every call as legitimate until we prove otherwise. The safety of our community is paramount, which is why we responded with the level of force that we did.”

University officials echoed this sentiment, defending the swift lockdown. “In these situations, we must always err on the side of caution,” said Brown University President Christina H. Paxson in a community update. “The decision to issue an active shooter alert is never taken lightly. We are grateful for the rapid response of our safety officers and the Providence Police.”

Community Impact: Trauma and Resilience

Even if the event proves to be a false alarm, the psychological impact on the Brown and Providence communities is profound and real. The experience of hiding in silence, texting loved ones what could be “last words,” and the sound of boots running through hallways leaves a lasting mark.

Campus counseling and psychological services have been made available to all students and staff. “The trauma response is real, regardless of the outcome,” said a university spokesperson. “We are focused on supporting our community through this fear and uncertainty.”

The incident also reignites the national debate on campus safety, active shooter protocols, and the destabilizing threat of swatting in an era of heightened anxiety about gun violence.

What Happens Next: The Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is now multi-faceted:

1. Witness Verification: Detectives are re-interviewing witnesses and analyzing their accounts for consistency. They are also scouring campus and city surveillance footage for any sign of the described individual.
2. Digital Forensics: Authorities are tracing the origins of the 911 calls to determine their legitimacy. This is a critical step in confirming or ruling out a swatting attempt.
3. Continued Patrols: A visible police presence will remain on and around campus in the coming days to reassure the community and continue the search.
4. Review of Protocol: Both the university and police department will conduct after-action reviews of their response to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Staying Informed: Official Sources Are Key

In the wake of the incident, misinformation can spread quickly on social media. The community is urged to rely on official sources for updates:

· Brown University Emergency Information: https://www.brown.edu/emergency
· Providence Police Department: Official social media channels (@ProvidencePolice).
· Local News Outlets: WPRI 12, ABC6, and The Providence Journal are providing ongoing coverage.

The search for the man in the camouflage gray mask continues. Whether he is a genuine threat or a phantom from a false report, the events of today have violently disrupted the rhythm of academic life at Brown, serving as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist in even the most prestigious and seemingly secure spaces. The community now waits, hopes for resolution, and begins the difficult process of healing from a day of profound scare.