Mountain Brook native killed in Brown University Shooting

A shooting over the weekend on Brown University's campus injured at least nine students and cost two lives, including Ella Cook of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Several Alabama leaders have expressed their condolences to the Cook family on the loss of Ella – who was the Vice President of the Brown College Republican Club.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said in a statement, "Wesley and I join the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama in mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our own, Ella Cook, who was senselessly killed over the weekend on Brown University's campus. There are no words that can ease the pain Ella's family and friends are enduring right now. Her beautiful life was taken far too soon, but those who loved her are comforted in knowing that she has joined our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all of eternity. During this unimaginable time, I am deeply grateful to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who continue to work to ensure justice is served. Our hearts are breaking for the Cook family. Please keep Ella's loved ones and community in your prayers."

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) said, "I am heartbroken to hear that Mountain Brook's Ella Cook was among those killed over the weekend at Brown University. Our hearts and our prayers are with the Cook family and everyone impacted by this senseless killing."

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl also released a statement on the senseless murder of Ella Cook.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless murder of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook this past weekend at Brown University," said Wahl. "Ella was a bright, promising young leader and served as Vice President of the Brown University College Republicans. She was a courageous voice for her beliefs on an Ivy League campus, where standing for conservative principles is often challenging. Her dedication and leadership are an example of the impact young people can have when they engage in civic life with conviction and integrity. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ella's family, friends, classmates, and the College Republican community as they navigate this unimaginable loss. May her memory be a blessing, and may justice and truth prevail."

'We are devastated to learn of the loss of our Brown University College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook. Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates," said Martin Bartao, the President of the College Republicans of America. "Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CRs, and the entirety of the campus as they heal from this tragedy."

President Donald J. Trump (R) said, "What a terrible thing it is! And all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt, it looks like."

"What a terrible thing it is! And all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt, it looks like."

Vice President JD Vance said, "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."

Her and her family attended Cathedral Church of the Advent part of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.

Ellas' Pastor Rev. Craig Smalley described Ella as "an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light ... not only here, growing up at the Advent, but at Brown University as well."

The shooting at Brown University's engineering building during final exams. A person of interest was arrested, but they have since released that person. Authorities are still investigating the crime. The assassin remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

Governor Kay Ivey has authorized flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until sunset, Friday, December 19, 2025, in memory of Ella.

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