Brown Student Ella Cook Killed in Campus Shooting

Journey Tribune – One of the two people killed in a deadly shooting at Brown University over the weekend has been identified as Ella Cook, a student at the Ivy League institution whose death has prompted an outpouring of grief from both the university community and her home church in Alabama.

Cook, a parishioner at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, was remembered during a Sunday morning church service led by the Rev. Craig Smalley. Addressing the congregation, Smalley confirmed Cook’s death and described her as “a bright light” whose presence left a lasting impression on those around her.

“Many of you have heard about the tragedy that occurred at Brown University,” Smalley said during the service. “And sadly, tragically, one of those people was one of our parishioners.” He went on to describe Cook as “incredibly grounded, generous, and faithful,” noting that she was deeply involved in both the church’s worship life and its outreach to the wider community.

According to university officials, Cook was killed Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building, where students were present for exams. A second victim was also killed, though authorities have not yet released that individual’s name pending notification of family members.

In total, nine additional people were injured in what officials described as a “brazen and targeted attack” on campus. Several of the injured were transported to local hospitals, though their conditions have not been publicly updated.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 4:05 p.m., when Brown University police received an emergency call reporting an active shooter near the engineering complex. The university quickly issued an alert instructing students and faculty to shelter in place, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response from campus police, Providence police, and state authorities.

Images from the scene showed emergency vehicles lining nearby streets, including Waterman Street, as officers secured the area and evacuated students. The campus remained on lockdown for several hours as police searched for the suspect.

Authorities said the gunman fled the campus shortly after the shooting. On Sunday morning, law enforcement officials announced that a person of interest had been detained at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 30 miles west of Providence. The individual’s name has not been released, and no charges have been filed at this time.

Police have not commented on a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In a message to the Brown community, University President Christina H. Paxson described the shooting as “a deeply tragic day” for the university.

“There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building,” Paxson wrote. “Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost loved ones, and for the students, faculty, and staff who are grappling with the aftermath of this horrific act.”

Counseling services and support resources have been made available to students and staff, and the university has canceled exams and classes in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

At the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Smalley emphasized Cook’s character and the impact she had both at home and on campus. He spoke of her as someone who lived her faith through action, serving others with humility and sincerity.

“She was engaged and involved in our worship and in our community,” he said. “And as she served here at the church and in the wider community, she was, in all sincerity, a tremendous and bright light. That same light followed her to Brown University, where she was such a witness during the time she was there.”

As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting, members of the Brown community and beyond are left mourning the loss of a young life and searching for answers. Vigils are expected to be held on campus in the coming days to honor the victims and support those affected.

The tragedy has reignited broader conversations about campus safety and gun violence, particularly at institutions traditionally seen as secure environments. For now, however, the focus remains on remembering those lost — including Ella Cook, whose life, many say, was defined by compassion, faith, and light.