Alabama Governor Honors Shooting Victim Ella Cook
Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama has ordered that flags across the state be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday to honor 19-year-old Ella Cook, who tragically lost her life at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
“In memory of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook, I have directed that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, December 19, 2025,” Ivey stated. She added, “As the entire state of Alabama wraps its arms around Ella’s family in our prayers, I too mourn her loss.”
Cook was a vice president of the College Republicans at Brown and was among the victims of a shooting incident involving an unidentified gunman who opened fire in a campus building, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries.
Martin Berthao, president of the College Republicans of America, expressed his sorrow in a post on X, stating that the organization was “shocked to learn of Cook’s death.” He described her as “bold, courageous, and kind-hearted.”
“I am shocked to learn of the passing of Ella Cook, vice chair of the Brown University Republican Party,” Berthao shared further. “Ella was known for her courageous spirit and kind heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, the Brown CR members, and the entire campus community as they deal with this tragedy.”
At the Advent Cathedral Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where Cook and her family were members, church leaders addressed the congregation, visibly affected by the news. During a Sunday service, one clergyman spoke highly of Ella, describing her as “an incredibly down-to-earth, generous, faithful and bright light who has contributed greatly to our worship and community over the years.” Ella had been a shining presence both in Birmingham and at Brown University.
In a later development, AWR Hawkins from Breitbart News reported that Providence police have released video footage of a “person of interest” linked to the campus shooting, following the earlier release of a different individual taken into custody the prior day.
