In a somber tribute to one of its young citizens tragically lost to gun violence, the state of Alabama has ordered all U.S. flags on state buildings to be lowered to half-mast.
On Monday, December 15, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued the order, stating that flags will remain at half-staff until Friday, December 19, to honor Ella Cook, the Brown University sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was fatally shot during the campus incident on Saturday.
In a post on the social media platform X, Governor Ivey conveyed the state’s grief:
“I have directed flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset, Friday, December 19, 2025, in memory of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook. As all of Alabama wraps our arms around Ella’s family in prayer, I also join in mourning her loss.”
Ella Cook: A Leading Voice at Brown
Ella Cook, who hailed from Birmingham, Alabama, was one of two Brown University students killed in the deadly attack. Her death was confirmed by a parish she attended in her hometown during a prayer session held on Sunday afternoon.
Cook was known for her active participation in conservative political circles on campus:
- She was a prominent member of the Brown University Republican Club.
- She held the position of Vice President of the College Republicans at Brown University.
Her loss was mourned by conservative groups across the country, highlighting her political engagement. The New York Young Republican Club paid tribute, stating, “Ella was a leading Republican voice at Brown and her loss is mourned by all. Rest in peace.”
The Second Victim and Injured
The deadly shooting claimed a second student, freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old Uzbek international student.
In addition to the two fatalities, the attack resulted in seven others being seriously injured. Authorities have confirmed that the seven injured individuals are currently in stable condition.