A makeshift shrine of flowers and condolence cards has gone up outside the Brown University building where a gunman killed two students and wounded nine others, with the Ivy League school and surrounding community trying to make sense of the tragedy.
As investigators pursue clues about the gunman, who remained at large Tuesday after fleeing the scene of the Saturday shooting, new details emerged about the victims, with friends, former pastors, and teachers speaking glowingly about the students who died, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook.
“Both were brilliant and beloved — as members of our campus community, but even more by their friends and families,” university President Christina Paxson said in a statement Tuesday. “Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow.”
Students and staff are busy planning tributes to the victims, most of whom are still hospitalized. Among the events planned are an online interfaith prayer service scheduled for Wednesday and a larger service when classes resume after the winter break.
Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Brandermill, Virginia, was set to pursue a career in medicine after overcoming personal health challenges. He took it upon himself to assist recent immigrants acclimating to American culture and language.
Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was an accomplished pianist and active in her community. Known for her kindness, Cook was pursuing studies in French, math, and economics at Brown, serving as vice president of the college Republicans.
Among those wounded, many are recovering, but details about their conditions remain serious, with one student in critical condition. The community is rallying support for those affected, reflecting a bond that will help navigate this difficult time.
As investigators pursue clues about the gunman, who remained at large Tuesday after fleeing the scene of the Saturday shooting, new details emerged about the victims, with friends, former pastors, and teachers speaking glowingly about the students who died, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook.
“Both were brilliant and beloved — as members of our campus community, but even more by their friends and families,” university President Christina Paxson said in a statement Tuesday. “Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow.”
Students and staff are busy planning tributes to the victims, most of whom are still hospitalized. Among the events planned are an online interfaith prayer service scheduled for Wednesday and a larger service when classes resume after the winter break.
Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Brandermill, Virginia, was set to pursue a career in medicine after overcoming personal health challenges. He took it upon himself to assist recent immigrants acclimating to American culture and language.
Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, was an accomplished pianist and active in her community. Known for her kindness, Cook was pursuing studies in French, math, and economics at Brown, serving as vice president of the college Republicans.
Among those wounded, many are recovering, but details about their conditions remain serious, with one student in critical condition. The community is rallying support for those affected, reflecting a bond that will help navigate this difficult time.
