Our hearts go out to the Brown University community as they grieve the tragic loss of these two students. Tarrant-affiliated shooting spree on campus that killed Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. The tragic incident, which took place this past weekend, has sent the university — and the Pittsburgh region — into mourning. Nine others were injured during the shooting, including a Moore High School student named Kendall Turner.
Ella Cook, a dynamic student leader from Alabama, was a fiery advocate for the needs of her fellow students. She was Vice President of the Brown College Republicans. Friends remembered her as a “bright light,” with an “incredibly grounded and generous” spirit. Reverend Craig Smalley, who spoke about her at a recent memorial gathering, emphasized her faith and kindness when he stated, “Ella was an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light.”
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a student at Brown University, Charles said, was known for his sharp intellect and kind heart. The American Uzbekistan Association noted his “quiet willingness to help anyone in need” and expressed sorrow over the loss of someone who “had a future filled with promise.” In a statement, the association laid bare the profound void left by his death. His family, friends, classmates, and the entire Uzbek American community laments this loss with a heavy heart.
Brown University showed leadership by looking out for the health and safety of its students, canceling all remaining in-person finals for the semester. Their decision was a direct response to the shooting incident. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley pledged transparency and said their authorities are still actively seeking leads on the case. “To be clear, we’ve never stopped our investigation,” he stated, indicating that the search for answers is ongoing.
Police arrested and released a person of interest in their 20s in connection with the shooting. They freed him as the investigation turned its eye. At the same time, Providence police have reassured school authorities that there is no ongoing threat to the university’s campus or surrounding community. Brown University echoed this sentiment, stating, “Importantly, there is no known threat to Brown or the local community.”
Individuals are telling us that they feel their grief by contributing to GoFundMe for Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. As of Monday morning, the grassroots campaign has raised close to $230,000. The money will help support their families in this challenging time.
Senator Tommy Tuberville expressed his condolences for Cook’s family: “I am heartbroken to hear that Mountain Brook’s Ella Cook was among those killed over the weekend at Brown University.” Heartfelt statements from friends and community members convey the unimaginable sadness accompanying both students’ untimely passing.
While investigations continue into this tragic event, we certainly hope that local authorities are doing everything to protect the safety of their community.