Providence police and the FBI are asking the public to help identify a man seen near a person of interest tied to the Brown University shooting that killed two and injured nine. Investigators released new images, maps of key streets, and an appeal for residents to check security and vehicle cameras as the search extends beyond Rhode Island.
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PROVIDENCE, RI (4 minute read) — Providence police say they need help from the public as they work to identify a man who was seen near a person of interest in the Brown University shooting investigation. On social media, investigators shared several images of this individual and said they want to speak with him. They have not yet said when or where those images were captured, but they believe he may have important information that could help them understand what happened before and after the shooting.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying and speaking to the individual shown in these photos who was in proximity of the person of interest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 401-272-3121. pic.twitter.com/DJ26rruuc9
— Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 17, 2025
Along with the photos, police released a map showing the streets where the person of interest was confirmed to have been on the Saturday of the shooting. The map shows locations where video placed the person of interest both before and after the attack at the Barus and Holley Building, where two people were killed and nine others were injured. An area around those streets is marked as a zone where residents and business owners are being asked to carefully check their security and vehicle cameras for any relevant footage.
Providence Police are releasing a map showing the streets where the person of interest in the Brown University shooting is confirmed to have been present on the day of the incident.
Streets marked in green indicate locations where footage confirms the person of interest was… pic.twitter.com/WQf1d72OD9
— Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 17, 2025
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Providence police tip line at 401-272-3121. Investigators stress that even brief or blurry video can sometimes provide a crucial clue, such as a recognizable vehicle, a distinctive walk, or a piece of clothing that connects different sightings of the same person.
The investigation has now moved beyond Rhode Island. North Attleborough police confirmed there was outside police activity in their town, but officials were clear that there is no cause for alarm. In a statement, Chief Richard McQuade emphasized that there is no immediate threat to residents and that, despite online rumors, the suspect is not currently being sought in the town. He also reassured the community that if any danger were present, they would be informed right away.
Surveillance Footage And Community Cooperation
Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez explained that investigators are heavily focused on collecting and reviewing video. He specifically asked people in the area of Waterman Avenue, Power Street, Ives Street, and Hope Street to double check any home security systems, dash cameras, and even footage from vehicles such as Teslas that record while parked.
Perez asked residents to review at least a week of recordings, because detectives learned that on the day of the shooting, the person of interest was in that neighborhood around ten thirty in the morning. Investigators also know from experience that many criminals quietly study an area in the days or weeks before an attack, watching patterns of movement and possible escape routes. That kind of behavior often leaves a digital trail on cameras long before the crime takes place.
The FBI has described the person of interest as stocky and about five feet eight inches tall. In the released clips he is wearing a face mask and what appears to be a two tone jacket. In some shots he is carrying a cross body bag, while in others he is not, which may help people recognize him if they saw him at different times.
Self Defense, Firearms, And Staying Safe During An Active Search
For armed citizens and concealed carriers living or working near this investigation, it is important to remember that the goal is to stay safe and support law enforcement, not to play detective in the field. Even if you carry a firearm legally, you should never attempt to confront or follow anyone you suspect might be involved. Doing so can put you, your family, and bystanders at serious risk, and it can also interfere with the work of trained officers who have more information than the public.
Instead, focus on strong situational awareness. Pay attention to unusual behavior, note descriptions such as clothing, direction of travel, and vehicles, and then contact police with that information. Make sure your home cameras are working, your recordings are being saved, and your angles cover entrances, sidewalks, and the street as much as possible. Simple steps like cleaning camera lenses and confirming the date and time settings can make any footage more useful if investigators request it.
Safety Tip: If you legally carry a concealed firearm during a major investigation or manhunt, your first priority is avoidance and rapid communication with law enforcement, not engagement. Move to safety, be a good witness, and call authorities rather than trying to intervene yourself.
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