Praising the Rhode Island and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, Colonel Oscar Perez, Chief of the Providence Police Department, Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva, and the Heroic Medical Personnel, Particularly Those at Rhode Island Hospital, Who Saved the Lives of Many of the Shooting Victims at Brown University

WHEREAS, On Saturday afternoon, December 13, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., an act of unimaginable violence unfolded at Brown University when a gunman entered the Barus & Holley Building, home to the University’s School of Engineering and Department of Physics, shooting eleven people and taking the lives of two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov; and

WHEREAS, In the moments immediately following the first shots, wounded students lay injured on Manning Walk of the Brown University campus as chaos spread, fear replaced routine, and members of the Brown University community fled for safety, uncertain of where danger lay; and

WHEREAS, Providence firefighters and emergency medical personnel ran toward the wounded without hesitation, rendering aid under conditions of extreme uncertainty, even as gunfire continued nearby and the location of the shooter remained unknown; and

WHEREAS, These firefighters worked swiftly and courageously to stop bleeding, stabilize victims, and remove the injured from harm’s way, remaining alert to their surroundings and aware that the threat had not yet passed, exemplifying extraordinary composure and devotion to duty; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Providence Fire Department responded under the leadership of Fire Chief Derek M. Silva, including Fire Captain Robert Cataldo, a 34-year veteran of the Department, Lieutenant John Faria, and Firefighters Jay Vita and Zack Hannon, along with many others who placed themselves in harm’s way to protect and save the lives of students and staff; and

WHEREAS, These first responders acted in the very manner for which they had trained, entering unsecured areas, providing lifesaving care before a scene was declared safe, and accepting personal risk in order to prevent further loss of life; and

WHEREAS, Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies responded immediately and worked tirelessly in the hours and days that followed to identify the perpetrator and ensure public safety, under the leadership of Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, and their federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and

WHEREAS, Exceptional medical care was provided by doctors, nurses, and medical professionals, particularly at Rhode Island Hospital, who worked under extraordinary pressure to save lives while also offering compassion, comfort, and guidance to families enduring profound shock and grief; and

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island was served with steadiness and integrity by its elected leadership, including Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Attorney General Peter Neronha, who worked continuously to support emergency responders and law enforcement, keep the public informed, and provide clarity and reassurance during a time of fear and uncertainty; and

WHEREAS, In the midst of this devastating tragedy, the strength and compassion of the Rhode Island community were evident, as neighbors supported one another, residents assisted law enforcement, and countless acts of kindness affirmed a shared commitment to care for one another as healing begins; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the victims of the Brown University shooting and their families, and honors the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the first responders, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and public servants who placed themselves in harm’s way and responded with humanity, professionalism, and resilience; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Brett P. Smiley, Mayor of the City of Providence; Attorney General Peter Neronha; Colonel Oscar Perez, Chief of the Providence Police Department; Chief Derek M. Silva of the Providence Fire Department; and Colonel Darnell S. Weaver of the State Police.