Brown University Mourns Two Students Killed in Campus Shooting

On December 13, a tragic shooting on Brown University’s campus left two students dead and nine others injured.

President’s Statement

Brown University President Christina Paxson identified the students on Tuesday as MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook. She said, “These were two young people whose amazing promise was extinguished too soon.” Paxson added, “Both were at or near the beginning of their Brown journey — actually, they were at the beginning of a lot of things. Starting a new chapter away from home. Exploring. Making new friends. Learning about the world and themselves in new ways. Embarking on an exciting path to what life would hold for them in their years at and beyond Brown.”

MukhammadAziz Umurzokov

Umurzokov was a freshman who had big dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon and helping people. According to a GoFundMe page, he arrived on campus this fall with a passion for medicine “born from a personal experience,” and planned to concentrate in biochemistry and molecular biology. The family wrote, “He continues to be my family’s biggest role model in all aspects.” They added, “He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation, and was the most kind‑hearted person our family knew. Our family is incredibly devastated by this loss.”

He was a U.S. dual citizen from Uzbekistan who graduated from Midlothian High School in Virginia. Paxson said he was a dedicated, well‑rounded student who served as president of the school’s Model United Nations chapter and captain of the Scholastic Bowl team. A video from the 2025 graduation ceremony shows Umurzokov walking across the stage and receiving his diploma.

The U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Jonathan Henick, shared his condolences. He said, “I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic death of Brown University student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov on December 13. We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Umurzokov’s family, friends, and fellow students and mourn the loss of his bright future.”

Ella Cook

Cook grew up in Mountain Brook, Alabama, and was involved in campus life at Brown. Paxson described her as a passionate and intellectually curious member of the community who was interested in French and Francophone studies. She was attracted to Brown’s Open Curriculum and excited about the freedom to explore her many academic interests and build relationships with her classmates.

Cook was an accomplished competitive pianist and served as a volunteer leader for the Cathedral Church of the Advent back home. Rev. R. Craig Smalley said, “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.”

At Brown, she served as vice president of the Republican Club and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Senator Katie Boyd Britt’s Statement

Sen. Katie Boyd Britt also released a statement mourning the loss of Cook. She wrote, “There are no words that can ease the pain that Ella’s family and friends are enduring right now.” She continued, “Her beautiful life was taken far too soon, but those who loved her are comforted in knowing that she has joined our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all of eternity.” She added, “During this unimaginable time, I am deeply grateful to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who continue to work to ensure justice is served.”

Nine Injured, Hospital Status

Nine others were injured in the attack. Paxson said most of them remain in the hospital in stable condition. Because of privacy concerns, the university is not releasing the names of these students.

Memorial Plans

Paxson said the university is working on a way the community can join together to memorialize Cook and Umurzokov after classes resume for the spring semester. “On behalf of our entire community at Brown, I extend the University’s deepest, most profound condolences to Ella’s and Mukhammad’s families, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone else fortunate enough to interact with these two amazing young adults, whom we lost much too soon,” Paxson said. She added, “In particular, our hearts go out to Ella’s parents, Anna and Richard, and her siblings, Richard and Mary, and to Mukhammad’s parents, Fazliddin and Gulnoza, and his sisters, Rukhsora and Samara.”

Investigation Status

Officials are still searching for the gunman. A person of interest who was picked up by police early Sunday morning was released without being charged.

Community Grief

The Brown community is mourning the loss of two promising students whose lives were cut short. The university, students, faculty, and families are coming together to honor their memories and seek closure.

Looking Ahead

As the spring semester approaches, Brown plans to provide support for students and staff affected by the tragedy. The university remains committed to ensuring campus safety while honoring the lives of MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about campus security and mental health resources, and the university will continue to engage with stakeholders to prevent future tragedies.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis.