WASHINGTON D.C December 15, 2025 – Vice President JD Vance expressed profound grief on Monday for Ella Cook, a Brown University student and vice president of the university’s College Republicans chapter, who was one of two individuals killed in a shooting on campus over the weekend.
In a post on X, Vance described Cook as a “beautiful young girl” who demonstrated “special courage” by leading a conservative organization on a predominantly left-leaning campus. “I am very sorry our country has lost one of its bright young stars,” he wrote, concluding with a prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.”
Vance’s statement came in response to an official announcement from the College Republicans of America sharing news of Cook’s death. The post included images remembering her contributions to the group.
The shooting claimed the lives of two students: Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. Details about the incident, including the motive, suspect information, and circumstances, remain limited as the investigation by local authorities and the FBI continues. Brown University has not released extensive public statements beyond confirming the tragedy and offering support resources to the community.
The incident has sparked broader online discussions about campus safety, political tensions at universities, and violence directed at students with differing viewpoints. No arrests have been announced as of Tuesday morning.

