What we know about the victims of the deadly attack

A standout student considered a “shining light” and an aspiring neurosurgeon described as a “gifted” young scholar were the two victims killed in a shooting at Brown University.

Tributes began pouring in for Ella Cook, a sophomore and vice president of the school’s Republican student organization, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman, at a candlelight vigil held in their honor Sunday.

A gunman burst onto the campus in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, injuring nine students and killing two others who have now been identified.

Here’s what we know about the victims.

Ms. Cook was described by The New York Times as an accomplished pianist and remarkable student who spent her summers as an employee at a local ice cream parlor.

She was attending a review session for her upcoming exam in an introductory economics class when a masked gunman entered the classroom and opened fire.

Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America, said in a statement after her death that the group was “devastated to learn of the loss” of Ms. Cook. She was vice president of the school’s Republican student organization.

“Ella was known for her bold, courageous and kind heart as she served her chapter and classmates,” he said.

The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, near Cooks’ hometown, held a vigil in her honor on Sunday.

She was an “incredible, faithful and shining light,” the church said, according to NBC News.

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville said he was heartbroken by her death, in a tribute to Ms Cook published on X.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cook family and everyone affected by this senseless murder,” he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X about Ms. Cook: “There are no words.

“Thinking of his family and friends, especially his parents. God bless them.”

Mr. Umurzokov is remembered as a gifted student and promising scholar, widely considered a prerequisite for students wishing to attend an Ivy League institution like Brown.

Speaking to The Washington Post, his sister Rukhsora Umurzokova said the young man took every advanced level course he could while in high school and worked during the summer at a local convenience store to buy a laptop.

“It seems so unfair, because he tried so hard and went through so much, just to end up like this,” she said.

According to multiple reports, Mr. Umurzokov received a scholarship to attend Brown, where he was studying to become a neurosurgeon.

The aspiration was inspired by his own health problems as a child, his sister said, after Mr. Umurzokov underwent brain surgery from which he took years to fully recover.

“He was incredibly kind, funny and intelligent,” his family said of Mr. Umurzokov in a GoFundMe set up for him.

“He dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon and helping people. He continues to be my family’s biggest role model in every way.”

The American Association of Uzbekistan said in a social media post that Mr. Umurzokov “behaved with humility and compassion, earning the respect and affection of those around him.”

“He had a future full of promise and his life was cut short far too soon,” it reads.