Brown University victims were aspiring neurosurgeon and a family’s ‘bright light’
One of the victim’s families has launched a GoFundMe which has nearly raised $200,000
The loved ones of the two students killed in the shooting at Brown University on Saturday have spoken out, as the investigation into the attack in Rhode Island continues.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who was killed on Saturday, was an aspiring neurosurgeon and was described by his family as “the most kind-hearted person.”
Ella Cook, a student from Alabama, also died from her injuries and was described as her family’s “bright light.”
The shooting unfolded at 4 p.m. local time at the Barus and Holley engineering building, where students’ final exams were taking place.
Rachel Friedberg, a professor at the university, told the BBC that the shooter burst into the room and “yelled something” before opening fire.
Eight other students were injured in the assault, with a Wisconsin man being detained in connection with the crime shortly after.
He was later released for having “no basis” for suspicion, according to a statement from Brown.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov wanted to be a surgeon
Umurzokov was studying at Brown University to become a neurosurgeon before the shooting, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by his family.
He was described as being “incredibly kind, funny and smart” and that he was the family’s “biggest role model.”
“He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation, and was the most kind-hearted person our family knew,” Samira Umurzokova wrote. “Our family is incredibly devastated by this loss.”
As of Monday, the GoFundMe campaign has already raised nearly $190,000 of its $200,000 goal .
Money raised by the fund will be used to support his family with expenses, with the rest being donated to charity.
Khimari Manns, Umurzokov’s roommate and a member of the school’s wrestling team, told CBS News that he sheltered in a restroom when he heard about the shooting.
While waiting for a sign that it was safe to leave, he tried to contact Umurzokov and began to grow concerned when he did not hear back during the lockdown.
“Something didn't feel right. I texted him, and then he didn't text back,” he said.
Manns repeatedly called the police to get an update on the situation and only learned that his roommate had died on Sunday, saying that it did not feel like “reality” when he heard the news.
“Just a ball of joy, ball of energy,” Manns said, describing his late roommate. “He raises everybody else to a certain level.
“He made sure I had my stuff done. He made sure he had his stuff done. He was just always there," he continued. “He’d come in there and cheer me up.”
Umurzokov’s aunt told NBC News that the late student wanted to be a neurosurgeon because he had a “very serious, eight hours-long brain surgery” when he was ten years old.
She also told the broadcaster that she had hoped her nephew had a “bright future” before she found out the news in the middle of the night.
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the news of Umurzokov’s death on Telegram, where a spokesperson described his killing as a “heavy loss for us all.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that the Republic of Uzbekistan has contacted the family of the victim and is working closely with U.S. law enforcement.
Ella Cook was a ‘bright light’ in the community
Alabamian student Ella Cook was also killed in the gunman’s attack on Saturday at Brown University in Rhode.
The College Republicans of America shared a message dedicated to Cook, who was the vice president of the group’s chapter at Brown.
“We are devastated to learn of the loss of our Brown College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook,” Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America wrote. “Ella was known for her bold, brave and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates.
“Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CR’s and the entirety of the campus as they heal from this tragedy.”
Reverend Craig Smalley, from the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, urged parishioners to pray for the late student during a Sunday service.
“Tragically, one of our parishioners, Ella Cook, was one of those who was killed yesterday,” he said, according to AL.com.
“And those of you who knew her, those of you who know her, she was an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light.. not only here growing up here at the Advent in the myriad ways in which she served faithfully and the ways in which she encouraged and lift up those around her, but at Brown University she was an incredible light in that particular place as well.”
Christina H Paxson released a statement in the wake of the shooting, describing the event as a “deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community.”
“There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building,” she continued.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary echoed Paxson’s message on X.
“There are no words,” Leavitt wrote. “Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”
A vigil was held for both Cook and Umurzokov on Sunday night, with attendees holding candles and flowers in a show of support for the victims’ families, according to a report from NBC Boston.
The event had been originally scheduled as a Christmas tree and menorah lighting in Lippitt Memorial Park.
Police have not confirmed a possible motive for Saturday’s attack, and no charges have been filed yet.
“No investigation is perfect and you’re going to go through ups and downs,” CNN Law Enforcement Analyst Steve Moore said.
He described the arrest of the now-released suspect as “obviously an error” and said that investigators have restarted their search at square one.
During a Christmas reception at the White House, Donald Trump offered his condolences in an unscripted, 40-minute speech.
“I just want to pay my respects, unfortunately,” the president said. “Two who are no longer with us. Brown University, nine injured. Two are looking down on us from heaven.”
He also offered his condolences to those killed in a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Australia, adding, “I just want to pay my respects to everybody.”