Brown University Shooting: Two Students Killed, Community Mourns and Investigates
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A growing makeshift shrine of flowers and condolence cards marks the site outside a Brown University building where a gunman tragically killed two students and wounded nine others, leaving the Ivy League school and surrounding community grappling with profound loss and seeking answers. As of Tuesday, investigators continued to pursue leads regarding the suspect, who fled the scene following the Saturday shooting, while details emerged about the victims – MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook – remembered by friends, family, and educators as bright, compassionate individuals.
“Both were brilliant and beloved — as members of our campus community, but even more by their friends and families,” Brown University President Christina Paxson stated Tuesday. “Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow.”
Students and staff spent Tuesday organizing tributes to honor the victims, many of whom remained hospitalized. Plans include an online interfaith prayer service scheduled for Wednesday and a larger memorial service following the winter break.
Remembering Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Brandermill, Virginia, harbored a lifelong ambition to pursue a career in medicine. This aspiration stemmed from personal experience – a neurological condition requiring childhood surgery and the subsequent need to wear a back brace for scoliosis. He was a double-major in biochemistry and neuroscience, fully committed to his future in medical school.
“He had so many hardships in his life, and he got into this amazing school and tried so hard to follow through with the promise he made when was 7 years old,” his sister, Samira Umurzokova, shared with The Associated Press.
Umurzokov was known for his dedication to helping others, particularly students recently immigrated to the United States who were navigating a new culture and language. His family, originally from Uzbekistan, understood these challenges firsthand. At the time of the shooting, he was assisting a friend with preparation for an economics final.
Shawn Abel, principal of Midlothian High School, recalled Umurzokov’s exceptional drive when he requested to skip a math grade to begin calculus before his senior year. “He had only just completed trig,” Abel said. “He said: ‘I will get a ‘5’ on the AP test and I will get an ‘A’ or higher in that AP class.’ And, I said: ‘Ok let’s do it.’ Sure enough: ‘A+’ in the class and highest mark on the test.” Abel emphasized that Umurzokov possessed both exceptional aptitude and unwavering work ethic, making his untimely death particularly devastating.
Honoring Ella Cook
Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was a gifted pianist and a student of French, math, and economics at Brown. She also served as vice president of the College Republicans.
The Rev. R. Craig Smalley, announcing her death to the Cathedral Church of the Advent congregation in Birmingham on Sunday, described Cook as “an incredible grounded, faithful, bright light” who consistently encouraged and uplifted those around her. “Light shines in the darkness,” he said, urging the congregation to offer love and prayers for her parents.
Cook dedicated her time to tutoring young people and leading youth Bible studies and Sunday School. Her obituary noted that a memorial service is scheduled for next Monday, and highlighted her deep love for children and her aspiration to one day become a mother.
Martin Bertao, president of the Brown College Republicans, expressed the club’s devastation, stating, “Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates.”
Recovery and Ongoing Support
As of Tuesday, two of the wounded students had been discharged, according to Brown spokeswoman Amanda McGregor, with the majority of the remaining victims reported to be in stable condition. However, Providence’s mayor indicated on Monday that one student remained in critical condition.
Among those still hospitalized was Jacob Spears, a freshman from Evans, Georgia, majoring in computer science and economics. The Rev. Chuck Mann announced at a Sunday service that Spears had undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. A GoFundMe campaign established for Spears detailed that he was shot in the stomach but, demonstrating remarkable courage, managed to reach safety with the help of others.
Durham Academy confirmed that a recent graduate, Kendall Turner, was critically wounded and is receiving care with her parents. The school stated its community is rallying around Turner and her loved ones.
Another freshman, Spencer Yang, 18, of New York City, recounted the chaotic scene to the New York Times and the Brown Daily Herald from his hospital bed, describing a frantic scramble after the gunman entered the room. Yang sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and anticipates being discharged within days.
The investigation remains ongoing as the Brown University community begins the long process of healing and remembrance.
Associated Press reporter Olivia Diaz contributed to this story.
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