Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov Victims of the Mass Shooting at Brown University

WHEREAS, On Saturday, December 13, 2025, a vicious spree shooting began at Brown University inside the Barus and Holley building, home to the Physics Department and School of Engineering, on the school’s campus; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this House of Representatives soon learned of the senseless and brutal killing of two students, Ella Cook, an accomplished pianist studying French, math and economics, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman at Brown who planned to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon, and the wounding of nine additional students; and

WHEREAS, First responders and medical professionals at Rhode Island Hospital had quickly initiated emergency protocols resulting in seven of the students injured in the shooting being treated with exceptional care in the face of this overwhelming tragedy and thankfully surviving the shooting; and

WHEREAS, The people of Rhode Island and around the world have the right to be secure in their homes, in their schools, on the streets, and in their communities; and

WHEREAS, To the parents and families who face the unnatural act of burying their children, know that the citizens of Rhode Island and indeed millions across the country mourn with you; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors the memory and lives of the victims of the Brown University shooting and offers its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured. We furthermore condemn this and all senseless and tragic acts of violence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Family of Ella Cook, and the Family of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov.