FBI Warns Public to Rely on Verified Information as Speculation Spreads in Brown University Case
Authorities continue to caution the public against responding to unverified online material amid speculation related to the Brown University shooting investigation.
In the days following the December 13 campus shooting in Providence, Rhode Island, various posts on social media have circulated claims that a now-deleted “manifesto” attributed to Mustapha Kharbouch was published on a platform tied to the Institute for Palestine Studies. Screenshots and archived material shared online suggest the document once existed, but its authenticity and connection to the shooting have not been confirmed by law enforcement. The Institute for Palestine Studies, a scholarly organization that publishes research on Middle Eastern issues, has not publicly acknowledged or verified any such document linked to Kharbouch.
Federal, state, and university officials have emphasized that the ongoing investigation is active, and there is no official evidence connecting Mustapha Kharbouch to the shooting at this time. Authorities have not identified him as a suspect, and no arrests or charges have been announced. Law enforcement continues to release verified images of a person of interest and offer rewards for credible tips while urging the public to avoid speculation or spreading unconfirmed narratives.
Brown University has also faced social media discussion around the removal of certain online student profiles, but university leadership has not confirmed any specific actions tied to the shooting investigation. Experts caution that misinformation can impede official inquiries and harm individuals not connected to the case.
Officials continue to ask anyone with verified information to come forward through proper channels such as the FBI tip line or local law enforcement and to avoid trusting or sharing content that has not been publicly confirmed by investigative authorities. The Brown University shooting remains under active review, and further details will be released as investigations progress.
