The tragic shooting at Brown University on Saturday claimed the life of an Alabama woman, as confirmed by her church community. Ella Cook, a beloved member of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, was one of the two students fatally wounded when a gunman opened fire in a classroom on the Providence, Rhode Island campus.
Reverend Craig Smalley addressed the congregation in a heartfelt message during the church’s Sunday service. “For those who haven’t heard, there was a devastating incident yesterday at Brown University involving a shooting,” he announced solemnly. “Regrettably, one of our cherished parishioners, Ella Cook, was among those who lost their lives.”
Smalley paid tribute to Cook, highlighting her positive influence and spirit. “Ella was known for her ability to uplift and encourage others,” he said. “To those who knew her, she was a beacon of faith and brilliance, a truly remarkable presence at Brown University.”
In a poignant scene, a bouquet of flowers was left on the snow-covered ground on Sunday, December 14, 2025, near the site of the shooting on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, a silent tribute to those affected by the tragic event. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
A bouquet of flowers rests on snow, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, on the campus of Brown University not far from where a shooting took place, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“And those of you who knew her, those of you who know her, she was an incredible grounded faithful bright light … at Brown University, she was an incredible light in that particular place as well.”
Cook was a sophomore at the university. She was also vice president of the Brown University College Republicans.
A police vehicle is parked at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, R.I., following a Saturday shooting at the university. (Gregory Norman-Diamond/Fox News Digital)
The College Republicans of America posted that it was “devastated” following Cook’s death.
“Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates,” the group said in a statement. “Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CR’s, and the entirety of campus as they heal from this tragedy.”
The shooting happened inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Two students were killed, and nine students were wounded. Officials did not immediately release their identities as they worked to notify their families.
The shooting happened inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4 p.m. Saturday. Two students were killed, and nine students were wounded. (Gregory Norman-Diamond/Fox News Digital)
Police announced that a person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday morning, though later that night officials said the individual was being released.
Authorities remain active in their search for the killer. Police said surveillance video showing a man dressed in all black is still the “most useful” to help track down the gunman.
