Online speculation has surged this week after users noticed that Brown University removed the profile of student assistant Mustapha Kharbouch from its website following last weekend’s deadly campus shooting.
Authorities have not named any suspect or linked Kharbouch to the attack, but the sudden disappearance of his online presence has fueled widespread discussion on X, with many calling for clarification from university officials.
The shooting, which occurred inside an engineering building on Brown’s campus, left two dead and at least eight others wounded.
Investigators released enhanced images of a person of interest and announced a $50,000 reward for information, though officials acknowledged that leads remain limited.
Police are canvassing nearby neighborhoods for Ring camera and private surveillance footage, highlighting the challenges of the ongoing investigation.
As law enforcement continues its efforts, attention on social media has shifted to the university’s handling of public information.
Users quickly noticed that Kharbouch’s profile—previously listed on the university’s Center for Middle East Studies webpage—now returns a “Page Not Found” error, while other student profiles remain accessible.
Screenshots shared online show that his page still appears in Google search results despite being removed from the university site itself.
Eric Daugherty of Florida Voice News wrote on X: “Speculation is SWIRLING after Brown University allegedly SCRUBS Free Palestine activist Mustapha Kharbouch from their webpage,” adding that the university may want to address the situation before public opinion hardens.
Journalist Jordan Schachtel of The Dossier noted that Brown had deleted multiple articles celebrating Kharbouch while cautioning that “there are no reports thus far that he has been implicated in the incident,” urging readers not to draw conclusions solely from timing.
Other posts also made unverified claims, intensifying the speculation.
X user Joshua Hall suggested that the suspect was a non-U.S. citizen and accused local authorities of withholding information—assertions not confirmed by law enforcement.
Another user noted that Kharbouch recently followed newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s X account, further fueling online discussion.
Users also raised questions about whether his removal signals any connection to the shooting, with some arguing the university owes a public explanation.
Despite the growing online speculation, authorities have not named Kharbouch as a suspect, and no charges have been filed. Law enforcement has not commented on why Brown removed his profile or whether the decision is related to the investigation.
The absence of official clarification has intensified public scrutiny, with some online observers criticizing the university for limited transparency during a crisis, while others warn against jumping to conclusions based on social media claims alone.
Experts caution that silence in high-profile investigations can be misinterpreted as concealment and that online speculation risks harming innocent individuals while potentially undermining investigative efforts.
Social media platforms, however, have become the primary outlet for public discussion, allowing users to share screenshots, observations and theories at an unprecedented pace.
Analysts say these conversations, even when speculative, reflect the public’s heightened demand for accountability and transparency during crises affecting public safety.
As the manhunt continues and the FBI urges anyone with information to come forward, Brown University faces mounting pressure to clarify its actions regarding Kharbouch’s profile.
Until officials provide answers, social media discourse will likely continue shaping public perception of an already complicated investigation.
Meanwhile, campus students and parents are left to weigh limited official statements against the flood of online commentary, emphasizing the importance of clear communication during high-stakes incidents.
