Who was Ella Cook? Brown University sophomore identified as first victim in campus shooting

Ella Cook, a sophomore at Brown University, has been identified as the first victim fatally shot in the tragic campus shooting that took place on Saturday afternoon. The confirmation came on Sunday, as her Alabama parish and members of the Brown University community mourned the loss of a young life marked by academic promise and strong personal conviction.

Cook was remembered during a Sunday service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, where church leaders confirmed her identity and offered prayers in her memory. She was described as a dedicated student and a deeply valued member of both her campus and hometown communities.

Who Was Ella Cook?

Ella Cook was an undergraduate student at Brown University and was known for her leadership and willingness to stand firm in her beliefs. Former Brown student Alex Shieh, who identified himself as a close friend, said Cook served as the Vice President of the Brown Republicans and was an outspoken conservative on campus.

According to Shieh, Cook was never afraid to share her political views despite being part of a minority ideological group at the university. He noted that she actively supported other students who shared similar beliefs and fostered respectful dialogue in challenging environments.

Brown University Shooting: What Happened

The shooting occurred on Brown University’s campus on Saturday, leaving two people dead and nine others injured. According to the Providence Police Department in Rhode Island, seven of the injured victims remain in critical but stable condition. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the second deceased victim.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson has been identified as a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. He was taken into custody early Sunday morning from a hotel in Coventry County, Rhode Island. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to examine the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.