Crime
Victims killed in Brown University shooting ID’d as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook
Providence, R.I. — Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov has been identified as the second victim killed in the deadly shooting at Brown University on December 13, an incident that has deeply shaken the campus and communities across the country.
Family members and loved ones described Umurzokov as exceptionally kind, intelligent, and compassionate, with a natural warmth that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He was known for his sense of humor, humility, and unwavering willingness to help others without hesitation. Those closest to him said he consistently put the needs of others before his own and served as a role model within his family and community.
Umurzokov was a highly motivated student with ambitious dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, hoping one day to dedicate his life to helping and healing others.
His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his personal character and the values instilled in him by his family and upbringing.
“More than a gifted student, Aziz was a beloved son, brother, and friend,” his family shared. “He had a future filled with promise, and his life was taken far too soon.” His death has left what they described as an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, classmates, and the broader Uzbek American community.
In a statement, the American Uzbekistan Association extended its deepest condolences to Umurzokov’s family, expressing solidarity during this period of profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support from the public.
Family members have said that donations made in his memory will help cover immediate expenses, with remaining funds to be donated to charity in his name.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and potential, and for the light he brought into the lives of those around him.
Authorities have also confirmed the identity of the other victim as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama. Cook was a parishioner at Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham, where she was remembered as an “incredible, grounded, faithful bright light” who consistently uplifted others.
During Sunday services, Rev. Craig Smalley spoke about Cook’s impact, noting her dedication to service and her ability to encourage and inspire those around her both at her church and at Brown University.
“Those who knew her knew she was an incredible light,” Smalley said. He urged the congregation to keep Cook’s family and loved ones in their prayers.
The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday inside an engineering building while final exams were underway, one of the busiest periods of the academic year.
In addition to the two fatalities, nine people were wounded.
University officials said one victim has been released from the hospital, seven remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and one remains in critical condition.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said Sunday that no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A previously detained person of interest, Benjamin Warren Erickson, was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, but was later released after investigators determined he was not involved in the shooting.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged that early evidence appeared to point in that direction but later proved otherwise.
He also criticized the premature public release of the individual’s name, noting the lasting harm such disclosures can cause.
Authorities emphasized that the gunman remains at large, and law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels continue to actively pursue leads as the investigation continues.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.