In the wake of the devastating shooting at Brown University that claimed the lives of two promising students, a close friend of victim Ella Cook has come forward with an emotional tribute that highlights the unexpected bonds formed in the midst of campus life. Phoebe Peus, a fellow Brown student, could barely hold back her sobs during a recent television interview as she recounted how the university’s Republican club became the unlikely catalyst for their deep friendship. On a campus known for its progressive leanings, the club served as a haven for like-minded individuals, and Peus and Cook quickly connected as two of the few women in the group, sharing their outspoken conservative views and a passion for making their voices heard.
Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, was no ordinary student. Studying French, math, and economics, she was an accomplished pianist whose talent lit up recital halls. As vice president of the College Republicans, Cook was described by those who knew her as smart, confident, curious, kind, principled, and brave. Her nickname on campus, “Ellabama,” captured her Southern roots and her ability to bridge divides. Friends and professors alike noted her “quiet gravity” and her commitment to her Christian faith, which guided her through the challenges of being a conservative voice in a liberal environment. Tragically, her life was cut short on December 13, 2025, during a weekend study session in the university’s engineering building. The attack, which unfolded around 2:55 p.m., also took the life of 18-year-old Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a neuroscience student from Virginia with Uzbek heritage, and left nine others injured.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Brown community and beyond, prompting questions about campus security and the motives behind such senseless violence. The building was unlocked at the time, a common practice for study spaces, but one that has now come under scrutiny. Authorities have released surveillance footage showing a suspect described as a stocky male, approximately 5’8″ tall, dressed in dark clothing, a black mask, beanie, gloves, and boots. He was seen walking calmly away from the scene, hands behind his back, before disappearing from camera view. Despite a massive investigation involving over 400 agents and a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, no one has been taken into custody yet. Initial reports of a “person of interest” led to a brief detention, but the individual was released, adding to the frustration and calls for swift justice.
Peus’s tearful recollection painted a vivid picture of Cook’s impact. “Ella was outspoken, and she… I just want to live through her in that way,” Peus said, her voice breaking as she fought back tears. She spoke of plans to attend church together, a simple outing that would never happen. In her grief, Peus emphasized living purposefully in Cook’s memory, turning personal loss into a call for resilience. At Cook’s funeral on December 22 in Birmingham’s Cathedral Church of the Advent, hundreds gathered in “Easter colors” to honor her faith and vibrant spirit. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags lowered statewide, reflecting the widespread mourning.
This tragedy underscores the fragility of campus life and the enduring power of friendships forged in shared ideals. As the investigation continues, the Brown community rallies to remember Cook not as a victim, but as a beacon of strength and conviction. Her legacy, through stories like Peus’s, reminds us of the human connections that persist even in the face of unimaginable horror.
