In the wake of a tragic shooting at Brown University that claimed two lives and injured eight others, the online community has turned its focus to the university's handling of information, particularly regarding student assistant Mustapha Kharbouch. After the incident, which took place inside an engineering building on the Brown campus, authorities have been diligently working to gather evidence and identify a suspect, offering a $50,000 reward for relevant information. However, they have yet to name any suspects in connection to the crime.
"Speculation is SWIRLING after Brown University allegedly SCRUBS Free Palestine activist Mustapha Kharbouch from their webpage," noted Eric Daugherty, highlighting the intense public speculation following the university's actions.
The center of online speculation is the sudden disappearance of Kharbouch's profile from the Brown University website. Before the profile was removed, Kharbouch was listed on the university's Center for Middle East Studies webpage. Now, attempts to access his profile yield a "Page Not Found" error, while other student profiles remain unaffected. This action has not gone unnoticed by social media users, who have shared screenshots showing Kharbouch's page still appearing in Google search results, although it has been scrubbed from the university site.
Journalists and social media users alike are calling for a statement from Brown University officials as to why Kharbouch's profile was removed. Eric Daugherty and Jordan Schachtel have pointed out the removal and deletion of articles related to Kharbouch, stressing the absence of official evidence implicating him in the shooting. Meanwhile, unverified claims on social media have intensified the speculation, with some users suggesting Kharbouch's identity as the shooter, despite no confirmation from law enforcement.
The discussion has extended to Kharbouch's recent online activities, including following the newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's social media account, which some users found noteworthy. Additionally, a deleted manifesto originally published by the Institute for Palestine Studies and a product review for a 9mm muzzle brake by a "Mustapha K." have been cited by online sleuths as potentially relevant, though these are unverified connections.
Authorities have not commented on the reason behind the removal of Kharbouch's profile or its possible relation to the investigation. The absence of official clarification has led to heightened public scrutiny, with concerns over transparency and the potential for social media to influence public perception. Experts warn that speculation can harm innocent individuals and may jeopardize investigative efforts, while others argue it reflects a demand for accountability and transparency in crises affecting public safety.
As the investigation persists, and the FBI continues to solicit tips, Brown University faces increasing pressure to explain its actions surrounding Kharbouch's profile. Until officials provide more information, the social media discourse is likely to remain a significant factor in shaping public opinion in this complex case. Parents and students on campus are navigating the tension between scant official communication and the plethora of online commentary, underscoring the necessity of clear statements during critical events.
