Crime
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov identified as second victim killed in Brown University shooting
Providence, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov as the second victim killed in Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University, an attack that has left the campus and multiple communities across the country in mourning.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, remembered by loved ones as exceptionally kind, intelligent, and selfless, was fatally shot on December 13 during the incident inside an engineering building on Brown’s campus.
Family members described him as a young man with extraordinary ambition and compassion, who dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon so he could dedicate his life to helping others.
“He was incredibly kind, funny, and smart,” his family said in a public statement. “He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation and was the most kind-hearted person our family knew. He continues to be our biggest role model in every aspect of life.”
Those who knew Umurzokov said he carried himself with humility, discipline, and quiet generosity, earning deep respect from classmates, friends, and members of the broader community.
His sharp intellect and curiosity were matched by a genuine concern for others, traits that reflected both his character and the values instilled in him by his family and cultural community.
More than a gifted student, Umurzokov was a beloved son, brother, and friend, whose life was filled with promise and potential.
His death has left what family members described as an immeasurable void, not only within their household but also among friends, classmates, and the Uzbek American community nationwide.
In a statement, the American Uzbekistan Association extended its deepest condolences to Umurzokov’s family, expressing solidarity during what it called “a time of unimaginable grief,” and thanking those who have offered prayers and messages of support.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov will be remembered for his kindness, his aspirations, and the light he brought into the lives of others.
His family has announced that any donations made in his memory will help cover funeral and related expenses, with remaining funds to be donated to charity in his name.
The other victim killed in the shooting has been identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, according to her church and university officials.
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 those around her.
During Sunday morning services, Rev. Craig Smalley told congregants that Cook’s presence had a profound impact both at her church and at Brown University.
“She was an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light,” Smalley said. “In the ways she served faithfully, encouraged others, and lifted up those around her — both here at the Advent and at Brown University — she was an incredible light in that place as well.”
The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday inside an engineering building during one of the busiest times of the academic year, as final exams were underway. In addition to the two fatalities, nine people were wounded.
University officials said one student has been released from the hospital, seven remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and one victim is in critical condition.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said Sunday afternoon that no one has been charged, and the investigation remains active.
A person of interest, Benjamin Warren Erickson, who was detained at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from Providence, has since been released after investigators determined he was not involved.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged that initial evidence appeared to point toward Erickson but later proved incorrect. “Sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup and go in another,” Neronha said. He also criticized the premature public release of Erickson’s name, calling it “really unfortunate” and noting the difficulty of reversing such damage once information is made public.
Authorities emphasized that the gunman remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing. No further details about the suspect or victims have been released at this time.
As Brown University and the wider community continue to grieve, tributes continue to pour in for MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, two young lives remembered for their compassion, promise, and lasting impact.
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.