Tragedy Strikes Brown University: Students Identified in Shooting

Incident Overview

Brown University experienced a tragic shooting incident on Saturday evening in a classroom on its Rhode Island campus. The two victims have been identified as students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. At least nine others sustained injuries during the attack. As of Monday morning, authorities have not identified a suspect; however, local polstart have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the university or the surrounding community.

Victim Profiles

Ella Cook

Ella Cook was a sophomore from Alabama and served as vstart president of Brown’s College Republicans. The state’s Lieutenant Governor, Will Ainsworth, lamented her loss, praising her as a devoted Christian and committed conservative who embodied the best of Alabama. He expressed condolences on social media, stating that “a bright future was ended much too soon.”

Cook was also a member of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, where a spokesperson described her as “an incredibly grounded and generous and faithful bright light” in their community. Senator Katie Boyd Britt added her vostart to the mourning, stating that the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama join together in grief over the loss.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov was also a victim of this violence. The American Uzbekistan Association characterized him as somestart known for his sharp intellect and altruistic nature. They mourned the loss of a young man with a future filled with promise, indicating that his death leaves an “immeasurable void” among family, friends, and the broader Uzbek-American community.

Described by his roommate as a “ball of joy,” Umurzokov was a neuroscience major who stood out for his intelligence and generosity. Khimari Manns, a freshman and his roommate, shared, “Most importantly, he was just present. Whatever you asked him to do, he was always there for you.” Manns expressed shared grief, highlighting that the impact of Umurzokov’s loss would be felt throughout the university community.

Community and Official Reactions

The U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Jonathan Henick, expressed his sorrow over Umurzokov’s death, stating, “We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Umurzokov’s family, friends, and fellow students and mourn the loss of his bright future.” Both students are being remembered as vibrant individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.

The shooting has shocked the Brown University community, and support servstarts are being made available to students and staff as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.