Suspect Cased Brown University Before Shooting, Security Footage Shows
Locales: Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

Providence, RI - February 4th, 2026 - Newly released security footage depicting suspect Peter Morgan repeatedly near the Brown University campus in the days preceding Monday's tragic shooting is fueling investigations into whether the attack was a premeditated act. The footage, obtained by local news and rapidly disseminated online, reveals Morgan seemingly casing the area, focusing particularly on J. Walter Wilson Hall, the site of the shooting that left three dead and several injured.
The videos show Morgan, now in police custody, walking the periphery of the Brown University campus on at least three separate occasions between January 30th and February 1st. He is observed meticulously examining the exteriors of buildings, pausing frequently to observe J. Walter Wilson Hall - a prominent academic building housing numerous classrooms and administrative offices. Of particular concern to investigators is footage showing Morgan attempting to gain access to a restricted area near the building. While he was successfully deterred by a vigilant campus security guard, the attempt highlights a potential reconnaissance effort to identify vulnerabilities in the university's security perimeter.
"The meticulous nature of Mr. Morgan's actions in the footage is deeply disturbing," stated Providence Police Chief Michael Diaz during a press conference this morning. "We are dedicating significant resources to analyzing every second of these videos, cross-referencing them with other surveillance data, and building a comprehensive timeline of his movements. We are determined to ascertain the extent of pre-planning involved and to explore all possible motivations."
The shooting itself occurred at approximately 10:15 AM on Monday, February 2nd, sending shockwaves through the Brown University community and beyond. Law enforcement responded swiftly, apprehending Morgan near the scene. He is currently being held and is expected to face formal charges of murder, attempted murder, and potentially other related offenses in the coming days. The identities of the three victims have been released by authorities: Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of history; Samuel Kim, a junior majoring in computer science; and Maria Rodriguez, a visiting scholar from the University of Barcelona.
This new evidence has amplified calls for a thorough review of security protocols at Brown University and other institutions of higher learning. President Christina Paxson, in a statement released yesterday, affirmed the university's commitment to enhancing campus safety. "We are heartbroken by this senseless tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims," Paxson stated. "We are launching an immediate and comprehensive review of our security procedures, including an assessment of surveillance technology, access control systems, and the presence of security personnel. We will work closely with law enforcement and security experts to implement any necessary improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of our community."
That review is expected to encompass a broader range of security measures, including enhanced mental health support for students and faculty, improved emergency communication systems, and active shooter training exercises. Several student groups have already begun advocating for increased funding for mental health resources on campus, arguing that early intervention could potentially prevent future tragedies.
The emergence of the pre-incident surveillance footage has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures at universities. While many institutions have implemented security cameras and access control systems, critics argue that these measures are often inadequate to prevent determined attackers. There's a growing debate about balancing security with the open and welcoming atmosphere traditionally associated with university campuses. Some experts suggest that a layered security approach, combining physical security measures with behavioral threat assessments and mental health support, may be the most effective strategy.
Investigators are currently working to determine if Morgan had any prior connection to Brown University or the victims. Background checks are underway, and detectives are interviewing individuals who may have known him. They are also exploring the possibility of online radicalization or the influence of extremist ideologies. The FBI has joined the investigation, offering additional resources and expertise.
The Brown University community remains in mourning, with memorial services planned for the victims in the coming days. Grief counseling and support services are being made available to students, faculty, and staff. The incident has cast a dark shadow over the university, but officials are determined to learn from this tragedy and to build a safer and more secure campus for the future.
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[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/videos-show-suspect-casing-brown-235855326.html ]