Gunman Kills Two Students and Wounds Nine in Brown University Classroom

Today, a gunman opened fire inside a classroom in the engineering building at Brown University, killing two students and wounding nine others before fleeing the scene. The attack, which took place on Saturday, left the campus community in shock as investigators search for the suspect.

Incident

The shooting occurred during a study group preparing for an economics final. The gunman entered the classroom and began shooting, resulting in the deaths of 18‑year‑old freshman MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and 19‑year‑old sophomore Ella Cook. Nine other students were injured, with one remaining in critical condition and the other seven in critical but stable condition.

Victims

MukhammadAziz Umurzokov

Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon, had a double major in biochemistry and neuroscience and hoped to attend medical school. He had survived a childhood neurological condition that required surgery and wore a back brace due to scoliosis. His sister, Samira Umurzokova, told The Associated Press by phone Monday, “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 added, “It’s just crazy unfair that all of that was taken from him in a second because of someone.” Umurzokova also described him as a thoughtful person who always tried to include everyone and put others before himself.

Ella Cook

Cook was a beloved member of her Birmingham church and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans. When her death was announced to the Cathedral Church of the Advent congregation, Rev. R. Craig Smalley described her as “an incredible grounded, faithful, bright light” who encouraged and lifted up those around her. Smalley urged the congregation to love and pray for Cook’s parents.

Response

Brown University President Christina Paxson reported that only one of the nine wounded students had been released as of Sunday. One remains in critical condition, while the other seven are in critical but stable condition.

The Brown College Republicans were devastated. Club president Martin Bertao posted on X, “Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates,” and said the club was deeply affected by her loss.

Political figures also weighed in. Rhode Island Republican Party chairman Joe Powers released a statement saying Cook “embodied the very best of the next generation of conservative voices.” The White House acknowledged the tragedy, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt posting on X, “There are no words. Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”

Wounded Students

Durham Academy, a private K‑12 school in Durham, North Carolina, confirmed that recent graduate Kendall Turner was critically wounded. The school said, “Our school community is rallying around Kendall, her classmates, and her loved ones, and we will continue to offer our full support in the days ahead.”

Another wounded student, 18‑year‑old freshman Spencer Yang of New York City, told the New York Times and the Brown Daily Herald from a hospital bed that there was a mad scramble after the gunman entered the room. Yang said, “Many students ran toward the front of the room, but I wound up on the ground between some seats and was shot in the leg.” He added that he tried to keep some of the more seriously wounded students conscious until police arrived.

Key Takeaways

• A gunman opened fire in a Brown University classroom, killing two students and wounding nine others.
• Victims included MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon, and Ella Cook, a Brown College Republican vice president.
• Brown officials, religious leaders, political figures, and the White House have all expressed condolences and support for the families and wounded.

The shooting has shocked the campus and the broader community, prompting an ongoing search for the suspect and a reevaluation of campus safety protocols.