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As the investigation into the recent attack unfolds, authorities are actively searching for the suspect while some victims are being identified by their loved ones.
WASHINGTON — In the ongoing pursuit to identify the perpetrator responsible for the tragic incident at Brown University on Saturday, where two lives were lost and nine individuals were wounded, additional information about the victims is gradually coming to light.
On Sunday night, authorities disclosed that a person of interest, previously in custody related to the shooting, had been released. Consequently, the lockdown and shelter-in-place directives on and around the Providence, Rhode Island campus have been lifted.
In the wake of the incident, families and the local community are grappling with grief and loss.
While many of the victims’ identities remain confidential, some details have emerged.
One of the two fatalities has been identified as Brown student Ella Cook, as confirmed by her church and a university-affiliated organization.
19-year-old student was killed in the attack
One of the two people killed in Saturday’s shooting was Brown student Ella Cook, according to her church and a university organization.
The 19-year-old sophomore was identified during a church service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Ala., where she attended, on Sunday, Dec. 14.
In a service streamed live on Facebook, Rev. Craig Smalley praised Cook as a “bright light” in the church.
“She was an incredible, grounded, faithful, bright light,” he said. “She encouraged and lifted up those around her, but at Brown University. She was an incredible light (there) as well.”
College Republicans of America also identified Cook as one of the victims killed. Cook was vice president of the Brown University College Republicans, the statement said.
“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,” Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America, said in a statement.
Second slain Brown victim identified as MukhammadAziz Umurzokov
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov was identified as the second slain victim of the Brown University shooting by an online fundraiser set up by his family and by the Uzbekistan Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The fundraiser described Umurzokov as being incredibly kind, funny, and smart, with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Umurzokov had graduated in May from a high school in Midlothian, Virginia, according to local media reports.
The 18-year-old freshman was majoring in biochemistry and neuroscience. He was helping a friend at a review session for an economics final when he was fatally shot, his sister said.
As a child, Umurzokov suffered a neurological condition that required surgery, and he later wore a back brace because of scoliosis, said Samira Umurzokova, noting that the family immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan when she, her brother and sister were young.
“He had so many hardships in his life, and he got into this amazing school and tried so hard to follow through with the promise he made when was 7 years old,” she told the AP by phone Monday.
The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan also identified Umurzokov.
“I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic death of Brown University student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov on December 13,” Ambassador Jonathan Henick said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Umurzokov’s family, friends, and fellow students and mourn the loss of his bright future.”
Kendall Turner identified as one of the students in critical condition
NBC News identified one of the people in critical but stable condition as Brown University student Kendall Turner.
Her alma mater Durham Academy, a private K-12 in Durham, North Carolina, released a statement to NBC News identifying her as a victim of the shooting.
“We hope for her continued strength and recovery,” the school said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendall, her family, and all members of the Brown University community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Community mourns as search for gunman continues
City leaders, residents and others gathered at a Providence park Sunday evening to honor the victims. The event originally was scheduled as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting.
“For those who know at least bit of the Hanukkah story, it is quite clear that if we can come together as a community to shine a little bit of light tonight, there’s nothing better that we can be doing,” Mayor Brett Smiley said at a news conference earlier in the day.
Smiley said he visited some wounded students and was inspired by their courage, hope and gratitude. One told him that active shooting drills done in high school proved helpful.
“My hope is that tonight offers the first flicker of healing and serves as a reminder that we will get through this together,” he wrote on social media alongside a video of him speaking at the memorial.
Nine people with gunshot wounds were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where one was in critical condition. Six required intensive care but were not getting worse and two were stable, hospital spokesperson Kelly Brennan said Sunday. One person was discharged with non life-threatening injuries from being hit with shrapnel, police said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
