Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez Jr., on Monday, evaded questions on the Brown University shooter and declined to say what witnesses claim the shooter yelled before opening fire at the university.
If the shooter were a White male, we would likely know everything about him.
Rhode Island Officials held a press conference on Monday to provide updates on the Saturday shooting and ongoing investigation as the manhunt for the shooter remains underway.
Witnesses say the shooter “yelled something” before killing two students and wounding nine more, and early reports suggest the shooter shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire.
But Perez wouldn’t tell reporters what he said, claiming, “That’s part of the investigation.”
A reporter even pleaded with Perez to tell reporters what the shooter said to help the public identify him, reasoning that “it’s possible a friend or family member might recognize if the person said something that was significant.”
However, Perez claimed that he could not say, suggesting the case may be in jeopardy if he were to share this evidence.
Later, when another reporter pressed Perez, he gave similar answers, dodging the question again. After reporters began to shout questions about apparent cell phone videos from the scene, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley stepped in to declare a wrap on the presser.
WATCH:
Reporter: There’s a report the shooter yelled something right before his shot came in. Could you tell us what that was?
Perez: That’s part of the investigation.
Reporter: The only reason I ask that, though, is, for instance, like with the Unabomber, his brother recognized the writing. So, it’s possible a friend or family member might recognize if the person said something that was significant… Other than the nine millimeter, is there anything else inside that auditorium that you can tell us?
Perez: That’s correct. And listen, like I said earlier, investigations will bring us to evidence that we need to collect in order to be able to prosecute. With that being said, with that being said, we’re going to continue to collect evidence, and if it leads us to something to that nature, that’s going to be extremely helpful for us to identify somebody, we’ll be the first ones to put it out.
Reporter: A follow-up on John’s question, did the suspect yell, like has been reported, and there’s been some erroneous reporting, but did he yell when he came in the classroom? And how valuable have witness statements been from those who survived?
Perez: Listen, like my heart goes out to the victims. It goes out to the families, and I’ll tell you that their cooperation has been extremely helpful, and that, with that being said, we’ll continue, and I’m gonna respect the fact that— and I hope that they get better, and my heart and soul goes out to them. So—
Reporter: Did he yell though?
Perez: That’s something that we’re investigating. We took statements, and we have to confirm that.
Police on Monday released new images of the ‘person of interest’ in the shooting as they continue to look for the suspect.
MORE:
The post WATCH: Providence Police Chief Evades Questions, Refuses to Say What Brown Shooter Shouted Before Opening Fire as Reports Indicate He Yelled “Allahu Akbar” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
