A chilling search is underway following a shooting at Brown University that claimed the lives of two students and injured nine others. Police have released new video footage of a person they are seeking to identify, hoping the public can provide a crucial lead in this rapidly unfolding investigation.
The first victim identified was Ella Cook, a nineteen-year-old and the vice president of Brown’s Republican club. Described as a “leading Republican voice” and an “incredible, grounded, faithful bright light,” her loss has deeply impacted her community in Alabama, where a memorial service was held Sunday.
The second victim was Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan. Family described him as “the most kind-hearted person,” a sentiment echoed by his roommate, who remembered him as a “ball of joy” and a constant source of encouragement.
The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building. Initial reports suggest outer doors were unlocked during exams, and the gunman remains at large, having fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Witnesses recounted terrifying moments, including a teaching assistant who narrowly avoided being struck by bullets that hit the chalkboard near him. Another student suffered gunshot wounds to the leg and underwent surgery.
Police initially focused on a person of interest, a man in his twenties, but later released him, stating there was “no basis to believe” he was involved. The investigation has now shifted direction, with authorities continuing to actively search for the perpetrator.
A vigil was held Sunday night, with students and community members gathering to mourn the loss and offer support. Candles and flowers were laid in remembrance of Ella and Mukhammad, whose lives were tragically cut short.
Brown University has canceled exams and classes for the remainder of the year, grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The campus, and the surrounding community, remain on edge as the search for answers continues.
The tragedy at Brown University comes just days after another mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence and leaving communities worldwide reeling from grief and shock.
