The Mountain Brook woman who was killed in the Brown University shooting was the vice president of the school's Republican club and was likely targeted, according to multiple sources. Ella Cook was one of two shot and killed on Saturday while studying with a group of students.
"We are devastated to learn of the loss of our Brown College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook," the club's president, Martin Bertao, stated. "Ella was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates. Our prayers are with her family, our Brown CR's, and the entirety of the campus as they heal from this tragedy."
Official Statement on the loss of Brown University College Republicans Vice President, Ella Cook. pic.twitter.com/IJoQsvyOsI
— College Republicans of America (@uscollegegop) December 15, 2025
The founder and chairman of the College Republicans of America, William Branson Donahue, said he believes Cook was targeted.
"I am filled with rage and sadness to learn that our Brown College Republicans VP, Ella Cook, has been identified as one of the victims from the attack," he stated. "I'm told she was allegedly targeted for her conservative beliefs, hunted, and killed in cold blood. Losing Charlie [Kirk] three months ago rocked our worlds. The entire College Republicans community is weeping this evening, learning of the news. This was an attack on our family."
