Tuberville Honors Alabama's Ella Cook on the U.S. Senate Floor

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL) delivered an emotional tribute on the Senate floor this week honoring the life of Ella Cook, a 19‑year‑old Mountain Brook native who was killed in a mass shooting on the campus of Brown University. The attack claimed two lives and left several others wounded, sending shockwaves through both the Rhode Island campus and communities back home in Alabama.

Tuberville used his remarks to highlight Ella's deep Christian faith, her devotion to family, and her commitment to serving others - qualities he said defined her short but impactful life.

Ella grew up in Mountain Brook, the daughter of Anna and Richard Cook, and sister to Hooker and Mary Hamner. She was known for her love of piano, dance, travel, and children. Friends and family say she poured herself into babysitting, Sunday school service, and her studies. At Brown, she pursued French and Mathematics‑Economics, reflecting what Tuberville described as her "obvious intelligence and curiosity about the world."

But above all, the senator emphasized Ella's faith. She was an active member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, where she was remembered as a bright, grounded presence whose compassion touched everyone around her. Her obituary described her faith as shining "like a bright Christmas star," and her pastor called her a "faithful bright light who lifted up those around her."

Tuberville also noted Ella's patriotism and courage. She served as Vice President of the College Republicans at Brown University - a role he acknowledged was not always easy on a politically liberal campus. Still, he said, Ella remained steadfast in her beliefs and committed to speaking truth with kindness and conviction.

Leaders in the national College Republicans organization echoed that sentiment, describing her as "bold, brave, and kind‑hearted" in her service to classmates and her chapter.

"The true measure of a life is not found in its length, but in its impact," Tuberville said, pointing to the outpouring of grief and stories shared since Ella's passing. "It is clear that Ella left a lasting imprint on the people she touched."

The senator also addressed the ongoing investigation, saying it "certainly seems like this might have been a targeted attack," and pledged that justice would be pursued for the Cook family.

Tuberville closed his remarks by offering prayers for Ella's loved ones and urging others to honor her by carrying forward the values she lived by - faith, service, courage, and love for others.

"Though her life was taken far too soon," he said, "we know she is in Heaven now, and we will make sure that Ella's legacy of patriotism and faith lives on here on earth."

Tuberville is a 2026 candidate for Governor of Alabama