Brown University Mass Shooting Kills 2 Students, Wounds 9 Others
Milton Quintanilla
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By Milton Quintanilla, Crosswalk.com
Two students were killed over the weekend in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
The students, identified as Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, were killed Saturday evening, after a masked man with a rifle entered a classroom and opened fire. About nine others were wounded, with one hospitalized in critical condition. The New York Times reported.
Although a suspect was taken into custody, Brown University stated late Sunday night that the individual was released, while Rhode Island’s Attorney General Peter Neronha said that “there is no basis” that the released suspect was a person of interest.
“Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate, and local police have advised they do not believe there is any immediate threat to Brown or the local community,” the university stated.
Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Alabama, was one of the two students killed.
Her church, the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, announced her name during a service on Sunday, which was also streamed live on Facebook, People Magazine reported.
“Tragically, one of our parishioners, Ella Cook, was one of those who was killed yesterday,” said the church’s Rev. Craig Smalley. “She was an incredible, grounded, faithful, bright light. Not only growing up here in the ways… she encouraged and lifted up those around her, but at Brown University. She was an incredible light [there] as well.”
He also got emotional as he urged the church to pray for Cook’s family at this time.
Cook began her studies at Brown University in 2024 and had planned to graduate in 2028, according to her LinkedIn page. She was also vice president of Brown's College Republicans, according to a statement by College Republicans of America.
Meanwhile, the American Uzbekistan Association posted a tribute to Umurzokov on Facebook, according to CBS News.
"MukhammadAziz 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."
"He had a future filled with promise, and his life was cut short far too soon," it said. "His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, classmates, and the broader Uzbek American community."
His roommate, freshman Khimari Manns, said Umurzokov was studying neuroscience and said he was extremely smart.
"He was kind. He reached out to me as soon as we got roommate assignments," freshman Manns told CBS News Boston. "Most importantly, he was just present. Whatever you asked him to do, he was always there for you," he said.
"What I do know is that Brown is grieving. I am grieving," Manns said. "The loss of him will be felt throughout this community. His soul truly did reverberate throughout the community."
Following a 13-hour lockdown, Brown University reopened its doors on Sunday with limited operations. The school also announced that all remaining Fall 2025 classes, exams, and projects were cancelled. Additionally, students are given options to take incomplete grades, accept current grades, or submit work by January 7, 2026.
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / BING GUAN / Contributor
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
