Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday in memory of Brown University shooting victim Ella Cook.
Cook, of Mountain Brook, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, both students, were shot and killed on Saturday. Nine other students were injured.
“She was much beloved in her community, her church and among her classmates at Brown University,” Ivey stated. “Her pastor, Rev. Craig Smalley of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham observed, ‘She was in incredible, grounded, faithful bright light … Not only here, growing u here at the Advent and myriad ways in which she served faithfully and the ways she encouraged and lifted up those around her, but at Brown University, she was an incredible light in that particular place as well.’ As all of Alabama wraps our arms around Ella’s family in prayer, I also join in mourning her loss.”
Cook was the vice president of Brown College Republicans.
Investigators said the shooter “definitely targeted Brown University” but did not reveal the motive. Detectives said they are investigating all possibilities, including claims Cook was specifically targeted because of her conservative beliefs.
The founder and chairman of the College Republicans of America said he heard from students immediately after the shooting that Cook was “allegedly targeted for her conservative beliefs, hunted and killed in cold blood.”
Police released new videos on Monday showing a man walking near the campus wearing a black face mask and dark clothing. They asked anyone with information to contact the FBI. Information leading to an arrest is eligible for a $50,000 reward.
🚨1/4 We are requesting the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest in Saturday's incident at Brown University. Please share these video clips and direct all tips to 401-272-3121 or https://t.co/8a1yEMYJya pic.twitter.com/D63mcbnq8J
— Providence Police (@ProvidenceRIPD) December 15, 2025
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