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Campus vigil honors slain Brown University students
Brown University held a candlelight vigil on Sunday for two students fatally shot during a classroom attack in Providence, Rhode Island. Ella Cook, a sophomore and vice-president of the school's Republican student group, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a first-year neuroscience hopeful, were remembered as exceptional scholars and compassionate peers.
Ella Cook: A leader with a 'bright light'
Cook, 20, was attending an economics review session when a masked gunman entered and opened fire on Saturday. Described as a standout student and accomplished pianist, she spent summers working at a local ice cream shop. The New York Times noted her dedication to both academics and community.
Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America, called Cook "bold, brave, and kind" in a statement mourning her loss. "Ella served her chapter and classmates with a rare combination of strength and warmth," he said.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the Cook family and everyone impacted by this senseless killing."
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville on X
A vigil at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama-near Cook's hometown-honored her as an "incredible, grounded, faithful, bright light," according to NBC News. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X: "There are no words. Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents."
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov: A scholar's journey cut short
Umurzokov, 18, was a first-year student on a scholarship at Brown, where he planned to study neurosurgery. His sister, Rukhsora Umurzokova, told the Washington Post he took every Advanced Placement class available in high school and worked at a convenience store to buy himself a laptop.
His ambition stemmed from personal experience: a childhood brain surgery that took years to recover from. "He was incredibly kind, funny, and smart," his family wrote on a GoFundMe page. "He had big dreams of helping people."
"It just seems so unfair, because he tried so hard and went through so much, just to wind up like this."
Rukhsora Umurzokova, sister of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov
The American Uzbekistan Association called Umurzokov "humble and compassionate," adding that his future "was filled with promise."
Nine others injured in the attack
The gunman, whose identity remains undisclosed, stormed the campus on Saturday, wounding nine students before killing Cook and Umurzokov. Authorities have not released a motive, and investigations are ongoing.
Community responds with grief and solidarity
Students, faculty, and local residents gathered for the Sunday vigil, sharing memories of the victims. Brown University has offered counseling services and canceled classes to allow the community to process the tragedy.
