A shadow fell over Brown University this weekend, a tragedy unfolding within the walls of its engineering building. Two students lost their lives, and nine more were wounded when gunfire erupted in a classroom on Saturday afternoon, shattering the quiet of the Providence, Rhode Island campus.
Among the victims was Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, remembered by her church community as a beacon of light. The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham announced the devastating news, sharing the grief felt by those who knew and loved her.
Reverend Craig Smalley, speaking during Sunday service, described Cook as someone who possessed an extraordinary ability to uplift and encourage those around her. She wasn’t just a student; she was a “grounded, faithful, bright light” both within the church and at Brown University itself.
Cook’s impact extended beyond her faith. She served as vice president of the Brown University College Republicans, a role where she was known for her courage, kindness, and unwavering spirit. The College Republicans of America expressed their profound sorrow at her loss.
The organization remembered Cook as a bold and brave individual, dedicated to her chapter and her fellow students. Their statement conveyed prayers for her family, the Brown chapter, and the entire campus community as they grapple with this unimaginable loss.
The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. inside the Barus and Holley engineering building. Authorities initially withheld the identities of the victims while they worked to inform families, a somber task undertaken with the utmost care.
Early Sunday morning, a person of interest was taken into custody, briefly offering a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was quickly extinguished as officials released the individual later that night, continuing the urgent search for the perpetrator.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads, focusing on surveillance video depicting a man dressed in all black. This footage remains the most valuable piece of evidence in their efforts to identify and apprehend the gunman responsible for this senseless act of violence.
