Two students were fatally shot during the Saturday attack at Brown University, including the 19-year-old vice president of the campus Republicans’ club.
University College Republicans Vice President Ella Cook was killed in the attack, as well as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, another Brown student, authorities have confirmed. Nine others were injured.
Cook was reportedly attending a review session in an engineering building at the time she was shot. College Republicans of America said in a statement that the sophomore was known for her “bold, brave, and kind heart.”
“Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CRs, and the entirety of the campus as they heal from this tragedy,” the statement added.
Official Statement on the loss of Brown University College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook. pic.twitter.com/IJoQsvyOsI
— College Republicans of America (@uscollegegop) December 15, 2025
It’s unclear whether Cook was targeted because of her political affiliation on campus. Notably, the suspect in the attack remains at large, and authorities have yet to reveal details about a potential motivation.
However, William Branson Donahue, the founder and chairman of the College Republicans of America, said on X that he believes Cook was likely targeted.
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“I am filled with rage and sadness to learn that our Brown College Republicans VP, Ella Cook, has been identified as one of the victims from the attack. I’m told she was allegedly targeted for her conservative beliefs, hunted, and killed in cold blood,” he said.
“Losing Charlie three months ago rocked our worlds,” Donahue added, referring to the live-streamed assassination of conservative powerhouse Charlie Kirk back in September. “The entire College Republicans community is weeping this evening learning of the news. This was an attack on our family.”
I am filled with rage and sadness to learn that our Brown College Republicans VP, Ella Cook, has been identified as one of the victims from the attack. I’m told she was allegedly targeted for her conservative beliefs, hunted, and killed in cold blood. Losing Charlie three months… pic.twitter.com/Efwo1wpfFY
— William Branson Donahue (@realwilldonahue) December 15, 2025
In a follow-up post, Donahue said it’s difficult to find leaders for College Republicans chapters due to constant threats.
“It’s near impossible finding good leaders for our College Republicans chapters on these campuses. Our Brown chapter is very small at a super left school. It’s difficult being one of the only students at your school to stand up and fight for your values,” he wrote. “As a sophomore, Ella Cook was brave enough to join chapter leadership.”
“I too was a sophomore when I started CRs at LMU (Loyola Marymount University),” Donahue said. “I was attacked constantly. I know first hand how hard it is to stay in the fight when you’re hated for just existing. We face constant pressures from the left. We’ve had chapter presidents assaulted, their kneecaps broken, and their lives ruined by those who disagree with us. College campuses are cesspools.”
“Charlie tried to facilitate conversations,” he added. “They killed him for it. We’re all just next on the list. I think the time for conversations might be over.”
It’s near impossible finding good leaders for our College Republicans chapters on these campuses. Our Brown chapter is very small at a super left school. It’s difficult being one of the only students at your school to stand up and fight for your values. As a sophomore, Ella Cook…
— William Branson Donahue (@realwilldonahue) December 15, 2025
Vice President JD Vance reacted to the loss on X, writing, “This beautiful young girl was one of the murdered students at Brown University. It takes special courage to lead an organization of conservatives on a left wing campus, and I am very sorry our country has lost one of its bright young stars. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.”
This beautiful young girl was one of the murdered students at Brown University. It takes special courage to lead an organization of conservatives on a left wing campus, and I am very sorry our country has lost one of its bright young stars.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. https://t.co/icGrwJAAlX
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 15, 2025
Umurzokov, who was also fatally shot, was studying neuroscience at Brown. He’s been described by those who knew him as a “ball of joy” and extremely smart.
The American Uzbekistan Association said in a statement that Umurzokov “was known for his sharp intellect, kind heart, and quiet willingness to help anyone in need.”
“He carried himself with humility and compassion, earning the respect and affection of those around him,” the statement added. “His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his character and the values of the community that raised him.”
Vance posted on X, “It looks like the second victim in the Brown shooting has been identified, a brilliant young man who dreamed of being a surgeon. May God rest the soul of MuhammadAziz Umurzakov. Say a prayer for everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, right before Christmas.”
It looks like the second victim in the Brown shooting has been identified, a brilliant young man who dreamed of being a surgeon. May God rest the soul of MuhammadAziz Umurzakov.
Say a prayer for everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, right before Christmas.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 15, 2025
Related: FBI’s Patel Promises ‘All Out 24/7 Campaign’ To Deliver Justice After Brown University Shooting
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