A makeshift shrine of flowers and condolence cards has appeared outside the Brown University building where a gunman killed two students and wounded nine others. The Ivy League campus and its surrounding community are grappling with the tragedy as investigators search for clues. The gunman remains at large, having fled the scene on Saturday and still being pursued as of Tuesday. Brown’s community is trying to find meaning amid the loss, and a number of tribute plans are already underway.
The Tragedy
The shooting took place on Saturday night and left two students dead and nine others injured. The gunman escaped the scene and has not yet been captured. As the investigation continues, the university has been coordinating with local law-enforcement agencies to piece together the events that unfolded. The campus has responded with a makeshift shrine outside the building where the attack occurred, a quiet reminder of the lives lost.
Victims Remembered
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov was an 18-year-old freshman from Brandermill, Virginia, who had long aspired to a career in medicine. He had survived a childhood neurological condition that required surgery and a back brace for scoliosis, and he was double-majoring in biochemistry and neuroscience. His sister, Samira Umurzokova, told the Associated Press that “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 he was 7 years old.”
Umurzokov also volunteered to help recently-immigrated students acclimate to life in the United States, a commitment that his family described as part of his character. During the attack, his brother was helping a friend prepare for an economics final.
Ella Cook
Ella Cook was a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who balanced piano performance with studies in French, math and economics. She also served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans. The Rev. R. Craig Smalley, speaking at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, described Cook as “an incredible grounded, faithful, bright light” who lifted those around her. Her obituary notes that she tutored young people in academics and taught youth Bible studies and Sunday school. A memorial service for Cook is scheduled for next Monday, and the Brown College Republicans expressed their devastation, with president Martin Bertao praising her “bold, brave, and kind heart.”
Community Response
President Christina Paxson issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, “Both were brilliant and beloved- as members of our campus community, but even more by their friends and families. Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow.” Students and staff are busy planning tributes. An online interfaith prayer service is scheduled for Wednesday, and a larger service will be held when classes resume after the winter break.
Wounded Students
Two wounded students have been released as of Tuesday, according to Brown spokeswoman Amanda McGregor, and most of the others are in stable condition. The mayor of Providence said on Monday that one student remains in critical condition. Jacob Spears, a freshman from Evans, Georgia, majoring in computer science and economics, underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery; Rev. Chuck Mann, speaking at a Sunday service in Spears’ hometown, praised his resilience. A GoFundMe page for Spears highlights that he was shot in the stomach but managed to run outside, where he was aided by others. Kendall Turner, a recent graduate of Durham Academy in North Carolina, was critically wounded; the school confirmed her parents were with her and pledged ongoing support. Spencer Yang, an 18-year-old freshman from New York City, told the New York Times and the Brown Daily Herald that after the gunman entered the room there was a mad scramble, and he was shot in the leg while lying between seats.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are still pursuing clues about the gunman, who remains at large. The university is working closely with law-enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify the suspect. The community continues to mourn while hoping for answers.
Key Takeaways
- A shrine of flowers and condolence cards has been erected outside the building where the shooting occurred.
- Two students, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, were killed; nine others were wounded.
- The gunman remains at large and the investigation is ongoing.
The tragedy has left the Brown University community in shock, but the planned tributes and ongoing investigations provide a path toward healing and closure.
