As police continue to search for the gunman behind the deadly Brown University shooting, one name has taken over social media, which is Mustapha Karbouch. The first-year student came under online scrutiny after his profile disappeared from the university’s website, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories.
Authorities have been clear that they have not identified any suspect. They have not named Mustapha Kharbouch as a person of interest, but people are searching name and more about Mustapha, which forces officials and the university to step in and urge restraint.
Who is Mustapha Kharbouch?
Mustapha Kharbouch is identified online as a first-year student at Brown University. He was studying International Affairs and Anthropology, with a focus on the Middle East.
Screenshots of his now-unavailable university profile describe him as a third-generation Palestinian refugee. He was born and raised in Lebanon. The profile also mentioned that he received a scholarship to attend United World College Masstricht and was involved in community-building and social change initiatives.
But law enforcement agencies have not linked him to the shooting in any manner.
Despite this, speculations surged after users on X noticed his name missing from Brown’s official website.
Why Did Online Speculations Begin About Mustapha Kharbouch?
The speculation began as the manhunt entered its fourth day. Social media users claimed Brown University was “scrubbing” a reference to Kharbouch. Some also alleged that social media accounts linked to him had disappeared.
“Why has Brown University suddenly erased every mention of Mustapha Kharbouch from its official website, right as the FBI intensifies its manhunt for the shooter who killed two and injured nine in the campus attack?” one user wrote.
Another user claimed Kharbouch had fled the university and was missing. No authority has confirmed this.
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer also makes unverified claims online.
“Why won’t police say what the shooter yelled before he opened fire?” “ALLAHU ALBAR” is what witnesses heard. Why is Brown deleting this Palestinian from their website? Is he a suspect?” she said.
What Happened at Brown University?
The December 13 shooting took place inside a classroom at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Two students were killed. Nine others were injured.
The track caused panic across campus. Police sealed off areas and launched a large-scale search operation. More than 72 hours later, the gunman remains unidentified.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that no suspect has been publicly named.
FBI Shared Limited Details on ‘Person of Interest’
On Tuesday, FBI official Kash Patel released a video timeline linked to a “person of interest.” The footage showed a man moving through campus areas.
In every clip, the person’s face was either covered or turned away. Officials described him only as stocky and around 5 feet 8 inches tall. They did not release the name of the image.
Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Brown University Warns Against Targeting Individuals
Brown University responded strongly to the online backlash.
“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 university said.
The university explained that removing online information can be a safety measure.
“It is not unusual as a safety measure to take steps to protect an individual’s safety when this kind of activity happens, including regarding their online presence. As 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.”
Attorney General Issues Strong Warning
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha also cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
“There could be ‘lots of reasons’ why a page may be taken down,” he said, calling online accusations a “dangerous road to go down.”
“It’s easy to jump from someone saying words that were spoken to what those words are to a particular name that reflects a motive targeting a particular person,” Neronha said. “If that name meant anything to this investigation, we would be out looking for that person, and we would let you know we were looking for that person.”
