Brown University has found itself at the centre of a growing online storm after the name of a first-year student, Mustapha Kharbouch, began circulating widely on social media amid an ongoing manhunt following a deadly campus shooting. As fear and uncertainty gripped the university community, speculation escalated rapidly, fueled by claims that the institution had quietly removed the student’s online profile.
The situation unfolded against the backdrop of heightened anxiety in Providence, Rhode Island, where residents and students remained on edge days after the December 13 shooting that left two students dead and several others injured. With authorities yet to publicly identify a suspect, the vacuum of confirmed information allowed rumours to spread at an alarming pace.
At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether the deletion of an online student profile was an act of concealment or a protective measure in response to online harassment. As accusations, counterclaims and official statements collide, the episode has reignited debates around misinformation, campus safety and the consequences of digital speculation.
How Mustapha Kharbouch’s Name Entered the Spotlight
Mustapha Kharbouch is identified as a first-year student at Brown University and a Palestinian refugee born and raised in Lebanon. His name surfaced publicly only after social media users noticed that his student profile on the university’s website appeared to have been taken down in the days following the shooting.
The timing of the removal, coinciding with the intensifying manhunt, prompted online users to draw unverified conclusions about a possible connection. Despite the growing speculation, law enforcement agencies have not named Kharbouch as a suspect or person of interest in the investigation.
The December 13 Brown University Shooting
The shooting occurred inside a classroom on December 13, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The incident sent shockwaves through the campus, prompting lockdowns, increased security presence and an urgent investigation involving local and federal authorities.
As the manhunt extended beyond 72 hours, officials confirmed that the suspect had not yet been identified. Authorities released limited information, including CCTV footage and a general physical description, but refrained from naming any individuals connected to the case.
Social Media Speculation and Online Claims
In the absence of confirmed details, attention on social platforms increasingly turned toward Mustapha Kharbouch. Users shared screenshots, archived links and personal theories, suggesting his involvement solely based on the removal of his profile.
Some posts went further, alleging that the university was “scrubbing” references to the student at the request of authorities. These claims spread rapidly, despite a lack of evidence and without confirmation from law enforcement or the university.
Who Is Mustapha Kharbouch According to Archived Profiles
Before its removal, Kharbouch’s online profile reportedly described him as a student pursuing International Affairs and Anthropology, with an academic focus on the Middle East. He was also identified as a third-generation Palestinian refugee.
The profile highlighted his academic achievements, including a scholarship to attend United World College Maastricht, and referenced his involvement in community-building and social change initiatives. None of this information, however, has been linked by authorities to the shooting.
Claims and Counterclaims From Public Figures
The controversy intensified after prominent political commentators and online personalities amplified speculation. Some alleged that online accounts linked to Kharbouch had disappeared, while others claimed to have found digital content they believed raised concerns.
These assertions were shared widely, often framed as questions or insinuations rather than verified facts. Critics warned that such claims risked endangering an individual without due process or evidence.
Brown University Responds to the Outrage
Following mounting backlash, Brown University issued a public statement addressing the situation. The university said it had observed harmful doxxing activity targeting at least one member of its community and stressed that such actions could cause irreversible harm.
The administration clarified that accusations, speculation and conspiracy theories circulating online were irresponsible and potentially dangerous. It stated that taking steps to limit online exposure can be a safety measure when individuals are subjected to targeted harassment.
Clarification on the Removed Student Profile
Brown University explained that adjusting an individual’s online presence is not unusual when safety concerns arise. The statement emphasized that if the individual’s name were relevant to the investigation, authorities would have publicly identified and sought that person.
The university reiterated that law enforcement had made it clear that no such public identification had occurred, underscoring that speculation based on a removed webpage was not grounded in fact.
Law Enforcement Pushes Back on Online Assumptions
Officials involved in the investigation have also cautioned against drawing conclusions from incomplete information. Authorities noted that there can be many reasons for a webpage to be taken down, ranging from privacy concerns to administrative updates.
They warned that randomly identifying individuals based on circumstantial online clues is a dangerous path that can derail investigations and put innocent people at risk.
The Dangers of Digital Vigilantism
The rapid spread of unverified claims has highlighted the risks of digital vigilantism during high-profile criminal investigations. In moments of fear and uncertainty, misinformation can gain traction quickly, often outpacing verified updates.
Experts note that once a name is linked to a serious crime online, the damage to personal safety and reputation can be immediate and long-lasting, regardless of the truth.
Impact on Campus and Community
For students and faculty at Brown University, the situation has added another layer of distress to an already traumatic event. The focus has shifted between mourning the victims, demanding safety measures and grappling with the ethical implications of online speculation.
University officials have urged the community to rely on official updates and avoid sharing unverified information, emphasizing collective responsibility during times of crisis.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
As of now, authorities have not publicly named any suspect or person of interest in the December 13 shooting. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to analyze evidence and appeal for public assistance where appropriate.
The emergence of Mustapha Kharbouch’s name has been driven entirely by online speculation rather than official findings, a distinction repeatedly stressed by both the university and investigators.
A Cautionary Moment in the Age of Viral News
The controversy surrounding the alleged “scrubbing” of a student profile has become a broader case study in how quickly narratives can form online, often detached from verified facts. In high-stakes situations, the pressure to find answers can lead to premature conclusions.
As the manhunt continues and the investigation unfolds, officials and community leaders alike have called for patience, restraint and empathy, reminding the public that justice depends on evidence, not assumption.
Also Read: Delhi Pollution Curbs to Hit 1.2M NCR Vehicles: Full Details
About the Author:
Harshit Raj
