An Alabama native was tragically among the two students who lost their lives in a shooting at Brown University on Saturday, as reported by her local church.

The Cathedral Church of the Advent, located in Birmingham, identified Ella Cook, one of its members, as a victim when a gunman opened fire inside a classroom on the Providence, Rhode Island campus.

In a video shared during the church’s Sunday service, Rev. Craig Smalley addressed the congregation: “Some may not be aware, but many have already heard about the heartbreaking incident at Brown University, where several individuals were shot. Sadly, Ella Cook, a cherished member of our community, was among those who perished.”

Rev. Smalley remembered Cook as someone who “uplifted and inspired those around her.”

A bouquet of flowers was placed on the snow on Sunday, December 14, 2025, near the site of the shooting on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

“And those of you who knew her, those of you who know her, she was an incredible grounded faithful bright light … at Brown University, she was an incredible light in that particular place as well.”

Cook was a sophomore at the university. She was also vice president of the Brown University College Republicans.

A police vehicle is parked at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, R.I., following a Saturday shooting at the university. (Gregory Norman-Diamond/Fox News Digital)

The College Republicans of America posted that it was “devastated” following Cook’s death.

“Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates,” the group said in a statement. “Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CR’s, and the entirety of campus as they heal from this tragedy.”

The shooting happened inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Two students were killed, and nine students were wounded. Officials did not immediately release their identities as they worked to notify their families.

The shooting happened inside a classroom in the Barus and Holley engineering building around 4 p.m. Saturday. Two students were killed, and nine students were wounded. (Gregory Norman-Diamond/Fox News Digital)

Police announced that a person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday morning, though later that night officials said the individual was being released.

Authorities remain active in their search for the killer. Police said surveillance video showing a man dressed in all black is still the “most useful” to help track down the gunman.