Sirens, campus alerts, and a name. Federal and local authorities have released photos tied to the Brown University shooting, and I can confirm that investigators have identified Mustapha Kharbouch as a person of interest. The manhunt has entered a new phase. The public is being asked for tips, and officials are stressing safety and restraint.
What I can confirm right now
Officials released a new set of photos and asked the public to help identify or locate the person shown. Investigators want to question Kharbouch about events near Brown University. No arrest has been announced. No charging documents have been filed as of this report. The investigation remains active and fluid.
- Confirmed: Photos released by federal authorities show a person of interest linked to the shooting near campus.
- Confirmed: The person of interest is identified as Mustapha Kharbouch in current investigative bulletins.
- Not confirmed: Any arrest, charges, or formal accusations.
- Not confirmed: Motive, weapons recovered, or ties to the victims.
Presumption of innocence is not a slogan. It is the law. A person of interest is someone investigators want to talk to, not someone proven guilty. If officials later seek charges, they must meet probable cause. If they file a case, prosecutors must meet the burden of proof in court.
Timeline, day four of the search
The shooting near Brown University set off a multi agency response. Local police secured the scene and treated victims. Federal agents joined the case soon after. By day two, authorities gathered camera footage and canvassed the area. Witness interviews continued. On day three, agencies began circulating clearer images from multiple angles. By today, day four, investigators released fresh photos and renewed the call for tips. The request is simple. If you know where Kharbouch is, or have seen him, contact law enforcement. Do not approach him on your own.
Do not confront anyone you believe is the person in the photos. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Report tips to official lines only.
Legal status and your rights
Kharbouch has not been charged. He is not in custody. That matters. The government can ask for help, but it must respect rights in the process.
If officers contact you, you have core protections:
- You can ask if you are free to leave.
- You can remain silent.
- You can ask for a lawyer before answering questions.
- You can say no to a consent search of your home or phone.
These rights apply to everyone, including students and visitors. If officials seek records from a university or a business, they must use lawful tools. That can include warrants, subpoenas, or emergency disclosures when allowed by law. Any future arrest would require probable cause, and any search would require proper legal authority unless a clear exception applies.
If you have useful information, use FBI.gov/tips or call 1 800 CALL FBI. Share exact times, locations, and any images you took.
Campus and community response
Brown University has increased patrols and issued safety notices to students and staff. Expect more ID checks at building entries, more escorts at night, and expanded counseling resources. Under the Clery Act, colleges must issue timely warnings for serious threats near campus. Today’s steps fit that duty. City leaders are coordinating with campus police to avoid mixed messages and to limit disruption. The goal is clear. Keep the community safe while the search continues.
Officials also urged residents to avoid posting unverified images. Misidentification can harm innocent people and can slow the real search. Federal law and state law both allow civil claims for defamation and privacy violations. Think before you post.
How to follow official updates without spreading harm
- Rely on official channels. Check the FBI, local police, and university alerts.
- Verify before you share. Compare clothing, time, and location details in images.
- Preserve evidence. Do not edit photos or video. Send originals with timestamps.
Kharbouch is a person of interest, not a charged suspect. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Mustapha Kharbouch in this case?
A: He is the person of interest named in current investigative bulletins tied to the Brown University shooting. Officials want to question him. He has not been charged.
Q: What does person of interest mean?
A: It means investigators believe the person may have information. It is not a legal finding of guilt.
Q: What should I do if I think I see him?
A: Move to a safe place. Call 911 or the FBI tip line. Do not follow or confront anyone.
Q: Can I post photos or rumors online?
A: You should not. Sharing unverified claims can harm others and may expose you to legal risk.
Q: What rights do I have if police ask me questions?
A: You can ask if you are free to leave, remain silent, and request a lawyer. You can say no to a consent search.
The bottom line. The search is active, the photos are public, and the law is clear. Help if you can, but do it the right way. Respect due process, protect your neighbors, and follow official updates as the investigation moves forward.
