An Alabama college student from Mountain Brook was among two people killed in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, over the weekend.
Investigators continued searching Monday for the gunman.
One of the two victims was identified by her church as Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore who was a longtime member at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.
She was also the Vice President of the Brown University chapter of the College Republicans of America.
During Sunday services, the Reverend Craig Smalley described Cook as a “bright light” in the congregation and in her community.
In Alabama, Cook is being remembered by friends and former co-workers, including those she worked with at Mountain Brook Creamery.
Now across the nation, prayers have flooded in for Cook’s family, including from those she knew through Republican politics.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote Sunday night, “There are no words,” she posted on X.
“Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”
“We are devastated to learn of the loss of our Brown College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook,” “Martin Bertao, the president of College Republicans of America.
“Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates. Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CR’s, and the entirety of the campus as they heal from this tragedy.”
Brown officials said the shooting occurred Saturday afternoon at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building while exams were taking place. Two people were killed and nine others were injured, university and city officials said.
Brown President Christina Paxson said the suspect “is still at large,” and to contact the Providence Police Department tip line at 401-652-5767.
Early Monday morning, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) released a statement
“Wesley and I join the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama in mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our own, Ella Cook, who was senselessly killed over the weekend on Brown University’s campus.”
“There are no words that can ease the pain Ella’s family and friends are enduring right now. 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,” Britt wrote.
“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.
“Our hearts are breaking for the Cook family. Please keep Ella’s loved ones and community in your prayers.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
