The recent shooting at Brown University has spotlighted a significant shortfall in the capabilities of Providence’s newly established “real-time crime center,” a facility that cost over $1 million to implement. Notably, the center’s surveillance network does not extend to the university’s campus, a gap that became apparent following the incident.

The tragic event, which unfolded around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Barus and Holley engineering building, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left nine others injured. Authorities initially detained a person of interest but later released him due to insufficient evidence linking him to the shooting.

The victims have been identified as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook. Cook, aged 19, held the position of vice president of the Brown University College Republicans, adding a poignant note to the tragedy.

Providence’s “real-time crime center,” launched in August, was designed to enhance public safety through a network of surveillance cameras spread across the city. However, the absence of cameras on Brown University’s campus has raised concerns about the center’s efficacy and scope.

A composite image provided by the FBI and the Providence Police Department features a person of interest related to the Saturday, December 13, 2025, shooting at Brown University. This image has been distributed as part of the ongoing investigation. (FBI/Providence Police Department via AP)

“Since my first year as Mayor, elevating public safety in every neighborhood has been my top priority. This investment in Providence’s Real Time Crime Center strengthens our ability to protect neighborhoods and improve quality-of-life for everyone in Providence,” Mayor Brett Smiley said when he announced the center’s launch.

The “real time crime center” was funded with a $1 million grant from the federal government. Providence also agreed to pay Axon Fusus $750,000 to run the system through 2028, which could be extended, according to the Rhode Island Current.

Providence Police Department Detective Maj. David Lapatin told the Providence Journal that the newly built center didn’t include any video feeds at Brown University when the shooting took place.

A law enforcement official walks past articles of clothing on a sidewalk near an entrance to Brown University, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Providence, R.I., during the investigation of a shooting. (Steven Senne/AP Photo)

Police gather outside an entrance to Brown University in Providence, R.I., on Saturday, during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Additionally, Lapatin said the crime center didn’t have access to any camera feeds from homes located close to the shooting.

Eric O’Neill, a cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative, told Fox News Digital it would have been helpful if Brown University allowed the crime center to use their security camera feeds.

A police vehicle rests at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, following a Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, shooting at the university.  (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

“It certainly would have been nice if Brown had subscribed to the data center because my understanding is that there’s real-time monitoring, which would have meant that someone would have seen the activity on the cameras and perhaps law enforcement could have been alerted earlier,” O’Neill said.

Police have released several videos and images of a person of interest, but haven’t yet identified or arrested the individual.

Fox News Digital reached out to Brown University and the City of Providence for comment.