Gov. Ivey Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Alabama Student Killed in Brown University Shooting

Montgomery, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags across Alabama to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Ella Cook, a Mountain Brook native who was killed during a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Under the governor’s directive, flags at the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and at state facilities throughout Alabama will remain at half-staff through sunset Friday, December 19.

Cook, 19, was a sophomore at Brown University and was among two students killed in the shooting Saturday evening, December 13. Several other individuals were injured during the incident, which occurred on the university’s campus.

In a statement, Ivey described Cook as a beloved member of her community, church, and university. The governor cited remarks from the Rev. Craig Smalley of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, who said Cook was “an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light” whose compassion and service touched those around her both in Alabama and at Brown University.

“As all of Alabama wraps our arms around Ella’s family in prayer, I also join in mourning her loss,” Ivey said.

The governor’s order applies immediately and honors Cook’s life and legacy as the state joins her family, friends, and classmates in remembrance.