Providence, Rhode Island – Shocking security camera footage has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the tragic mass shooting at Brown University on December 13, 2025, revealing that the masked gunman stalked one of the victims, 19-year-old sophomore Ella Cook, for nearly 30 minutes prior to opening fire in a crowded lecture hall.

The chilling video, captured from campus and nearby residential cameras, shows the suspect – dressed in dark clothing – methodically trailing Ella as she went about her day on the Ivy League campus. In a particularly disturbing moment at the 37-second mark, the figure brushes past her in a hallway, subtly slipping a piece of paper into the pocket of her jacket without her noticing. Ella, described by friends and family as a vibrant, kind-hearted young woman, appeared completely unaware of the lurking danger.

Moments later, the gunman entered the Barus and Holley engineering building during a final exam review session for a Principles of Economics class. He unleashed a barrage of gunfire, killing Ella Cook and fellow student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old aspiring neurosurgeon from Virginia. Nine other students were wounded, some critically, in the chaos that unfolded just as the fall semester was winding down.

Ella, a native of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was remembered as a “bright light” by her community. A talented pianist fluent in French, she studied mathematics-economics and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans. Her pastor at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham called her “incredibly grounded, generous, and faithful.” Friends highlighted her bold yet compassionate nature, noting how she lifted those around her. Mukhammad, a brilliant freshman with dreams of becoming a doctor, was praised for his intelligence and kindness by his family.

Authorities believe the suspect had been “casing” the area for hours, possibly as early as 10:30 a.m. that day, based on compiled footage from home security systems and vehicles. Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez described the behavior as typical of premeditated crimes. Enhanced videos released by the FBI and local police show the masked individual walking residential streets near campus, but his face remains obscured.

As of December 17, 2025, the manhunt continues with a $50,000 FBI reward for information leading to an arrest. No motive has been established, and investigators have urged the public to review any personal footage from the week prior. The university canceled all remaining classes and exams, prioritizing student safety and mental health support amid profound grief.

This tragedy, occurring during a time of holiday anticipation, has shattered the Brown community and reignited national conversations about campus safety and gun violence. Vigils have drawn hundreds, with candles and flowers honoring the lives cut short. Ella’s family and friends cling to memories of her infectious smile, while the search for answers – and the mysterious note’s contents – intensifies.

The pain lingers: two promising young lives lost, a campus forever changed, and a killer still at large.