Ella Cook, a college student from Mountain Brook was shot and killed this past weekend at Brown University, and Governor Ivey is directing  flags to be flown at half-staff to honor her.

Governor Kay Ivey made the announcement on Monday afternoon saying, “I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until sunset, Friday, December 19, 2025, in memory of Ella Cook of Mountain Brook who lost her life at the hands of a shooter at Brown University.”

The shooting at Brown happened Saturday evening at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building while exams were taking place. 19-year-old Ella was one of two victims killed. Nine more were injured. 

In the days since the shooting, the Alabama community has come together to mourn Ella. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) released a statement saying,

“Wesley and I join the Mountain Brook community and all of Alabama in mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our own, Ella Cook, who was senselessly killed over the weekend on Brown University’s campus.”

“There are no words that can ease the pain Ella’s family and friends are enduring right now. Her beautiful life was taken far too soon, but those who loved her are comforted in knowing that she has joined our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all of eternity.” 

Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) also spoke out.

“I am heartbroken to hear that Mountain Brook’s Ella Cook was among those killed over the weekend at Brown University.”

“Our hearts and our prayers are with the Cook family and everyone impacted by this senseless killing.”

As of Monday, the suspect is still at large. Forensics teams have been working at the scene of the shooting, yet there have still not been any major updates from law enforcement. 

Evy Gallagher is the assistant editor of Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].