One student killed in Brown University mass shooting was from Alabama
People hold candles during a vigil, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, R.I., for those injured or killed during the Saturday shooting on Brown University campus. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The mass shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others injured has a connection to Alabama. One of those killed was from Mountain Brook, near Birmingham.
Ella Cook was 19 years old and was a sophomore. She was also vice president of Brown’s College Republicans of America chapter.
Official Statement on the loss of Brown University College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook. pic.twitter.com/IJoQsvyOsI
— College Republicans of America (@uscollegegop) December 15, 2025
“Ella was a devoted Christian and a committed conservative who represented the very best of Alabama,” Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said. “A bright future was ended much too soon.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X, “There are no words. Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”
Birmingham CBS TV station WIAT reports that Cook was a member of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, which confirmed in its service on Sunday that she died in the shooting.
“She was an incredibly grounded and generous and faithful bright light, here at the Advent for many years as she was engaged and involved in our worship and our community,” a spokesperson at the church said, according to the station.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said she and her husband Wesley “join the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama in mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our own.”
The other person killed in the mass shooting has been identified as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov.
“Mukhammad Aziz was known for his sharp intellect, kind heart, and quiet willingness to help anyone in need,” the organization said. “He carried himself with humility and compassion, earning the respect and affection of those around him. His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his character and the values of the community that raised him,” the American Uzbekistan Association said on social media as it identified him as a victim.
The shooting happened Saturday in a classroom on the Ivy League university’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
A suspect has not been identified as of this morning, although the school said in a statement that “local police have advised they do not believe there is any immediate threat to Brown or the local community.”
