Brown Denies Online Claims Tying Student to Shooting

Brown University on Tuesday rejected what it called “unfounded and harmful rumors” after online speculation, sparked by the removal of a student-related webpage, falsely linked a student to a recent mass shooting.

The shooting took place on Brown University’s campus Saturday, prompting a large law enforcement response and an ongoing investigation by local, state and federal authorities.

Police said multiple people were shot, resulting in two fatalities, and urged the public to provide tips while avoiding the spread of unverified information.

Officials have released limited details as the investigation continues and have cautioned that false or speculative claims circulating online can complicate the case and place uninvolved individuals at risk.

University officials said there is no connection between the student whose information was removed and the shooting, adding that no Brown student has been identified by law enforcement as a suspect or person of interest.

The student has not been named by authorities, and the university said it would not release any identifying details.

The rumors began circulating after users noticed a public-facing page that appeared to include student information was no longer accessible shortly after news broke of the shooting.

Screenshots and archived links were widely shared, with some posts asserting, without evidence, that the change signaled involvement in the violence.

The online speculation intensified after Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, weighed in on social media, replying “suss” to a post by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., that questioned the removal of information from Brown University’s website following the shooting.

The exchange was cited by other users as supposed evidence of wrongdoing, despite law enforcement and university officials saying there is no indication any Brown student is connected to the attack.

Brown said it routinely updates or removes web content for a range of reasons, including privacy requests, administrative changes and concerns about student safety.

The university said that when individuals become the focus of viral attention, it may act quickly to limit the spread of personal information and prevent harassment.

In a statement, university spokesman Brian Clark said: “In the aftermath of the shooting, we’ve seen harmful doxxing activity directed toward at least one member of the Brown University community.”

He added, “It’s important to make clear that targeting individuals could do irrevocable harm. Accusations, speculation and conspiracies we’re seeing on social media and in some news reports are irresponsible, harmful, and in some cases dangerous for the safety of individuals in our community.”

The statement continued, “It is not unusual as a safety measure to take steps to protect an individual’s safety when this kind of activity happens, including in regard to their online presence.”

Clark noted that “law enforcement officials stated clearly on Tuesday afternoon, if this individual’s name had any relevance to the current investigation, they would be actively looking for this individual and providing information publicly.”

Investigators have not indicated any link between the shooting and Brown University students, and authorities have warned against amplifying unverified claims that can derail an investigation and expose private individuals to threats and harassment.

The shooting prompted a major, multiagency search as investigators sought tips, video and other evidence to identify the gunman and determine a motive. Police and federal authorities have urged the public to focus on verified updates as the investigation continues.

Brown officials said the speculation has compounded a tense moment for students and staff already grappling with the violence and its aftermath, and they urged people sharing posts or commentary online to consider the real-world consequences of accusing private individuals without evidence.