Brown University shooting victims identified as Ella Cook, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

The two people who were killed in a shooting at Brown University on Saturday have been identified as students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov.

The shooting took place in a classroom on the university’s campus in Rhode Island on Saturday evening, according to authorities. At least nine other people were wounded.

A suspect has not been identified as of Monday morning, although the school said in a statement that “local police have advised they do not believe there is any immediate threat to Brown or the local community.”

Ella Cook

Cook was a sophomore from Alabama, the state’s Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth said in a post on X. She was vice president of Brown’s College Republicans, according to the College Republicans of America.

“Ella was a devoted Christian and a committed conservative who represented the very best of Alabama,” Ainsworth said. “A bright future was ended much too soon.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X, “There are no words. Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”

CBS affiliate WIAT reports that Cook was a member of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, which confirmed in its service on Sunday that she died in the shooting.

“She was an incredibly grounded and generous and faithful bright light, here at the Advent for many years as she was engaged and involved in our worship and our community,” a spokesperson at the church said, according to the station.

Sen. Katie Boyd Britt said she and her husband Wesley “join the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama in mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our own.” Mountain Brook is a suburb of Birmingham. 

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov was an 18-year-old freshman studying biochemistry and neuroscience, The Associated Press reports. His sister, Samira Umurzokova, said that at the time her brother was shot he was helping a friend during a review session for an economics final.

She also told the AP that her brother had suffered a neurological condition when he as a kid that required surgery, and he later used a back brace due to scoliosis.

“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,” she told the AP.

Samira Umurzokova also said their family immigrated from Uzbekistan to the United States when they were young.

“Mukhammad Aziz was known for his sharp intellect, kind heart, and quiet willingness to help anyone in need,” the American Uzbekistan Association said in a post on social media. “He carried himself with humility and compassion, earning the respect and affection of those around him. His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his character and the values of the community that raised him.”

“He had a future filled with promise, and his life was cut short far too soon,” it said. “His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, classmates, and the broader Uzbek American community.”

His roommate said he was extremely smart and described his friend as a “ball of joy.”

“He was kind. He reached out to me as soon as we got roommate assignments,” freshman Khimari Manns told CBS News Boston. “Most importantly, he was just present. Whatever you asked him to do, he was always there for you,” he said.

“What I do know is that Brown is grieving. I am grieving,” Manns said. “The loss of him will be felt throughout this community. His soul truly did reverberate throughout the community.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Jonathan Henick, called Umurzokov’s death tragic and said he was deeply saddened.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Umurzokov’s family, friends, and fellow students and mourn the loss of his bright future,” Henick said in a statement.