Brown University Holds Memorial for Shooting Victims

The private event honored the lives of two students killed in a December attack.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Brown University held a private memorial service on Saturday afternoon to honor the victims of a deadly shooting that occurred on campus in December. The lives of sophomore Ella Cook and freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were taken in the attack, and nine others were injured. Friends and university leadership spoke at the gathering, which was only open to those with a school ID.

Why it matters

The shooting at Brown University shook the campus community and sparked conversations around campus safety and mental health resources for students. The memorial service provided an opportunity for the community to grieve together and remember the victims.

The details

The memorial service featured remarks from Brown University President Christina Paxson as well as friends of the two students who were killed. Elina Coutlakis-Hixon, a friend of Ella Cook, said she would focus on "living my faith as I learned from Ella, being a true friend like she was." Vanessa Finder, a friend of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, said he was someone who made her "laugh as much or as hard" as anyone.

  • The memorial service was held on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The shooting occurred in December 2025.

The players

Christina Paxson

The president of Brown University.

Ella Cook

A sophomore at Brown University who was killed in the December 2025 shooting.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

A freshman at Brown University who was killed in the December 2025 shooting.

Elina Coutlakis-Hixon

A friend of Ella Cook who spoke at the memorial service.

Vanessa Finder

A friend of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov who spoke at the memorial service.

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What they’re saying

“For now I'll focus on living my faith as I learned from Ella, being a true friend like she was and endeavoring to be more like Ella and my outlook on people and life.”

— Elina Coutlakis-Hixon, Friend of Ella Cook

“Ella and Mukhammad must be remembered and they will be.”

— Christina Paxson, President, Brown University

“There is no single path to healing. There is no right way to find peace after a loss like this.”

— Christina Paxson, President, Brown University

“I don't think anyone made her 'laugh as much or as hard' as he did.”

— Vanessa Finder, Friend of Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov

What’s next

The university has said it will continue to provide counseling and support services for students, faculty, and staff affected by the shooting.

The takeaway

The memorial service was an important step in the healing process for the Brown University community following the tragic shooting. By honoring the victims and providing a space for shared grief, the university is working to support its students and faculty as they navigate this difficult time.