The lives of Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were tragically cut short at Brown University this past week. Ella was a sophomore and vice president of Brown’s College Republicans. Mukhammad was a freshman studying biochemistry and neuroscience. These were 2 undergraduate underclassman students studying for finals, and their futures were stolen in an environment that should have been completely safe.
Universities are areas that allow students to think freely, speak openly, and manifest their futures. No one should feel endangered in such a space. No family should have to fear sending their child to college from the risk of gun violence. The lives of Ella and Mukhammad are an immeasurable loss we should not view as routine or expected.
We cannot let public discourse sweep this tragedy as yet another statistic into the constantly moving media landscape.
Preventing future harm necessitates collective action. We have to push for policies that reduce gun violence, such as universal background checks, red flag laws, and investing in mental health care and education. These approaches are solid steps towards protecting communities without infringing constitutional rights.
Remembering Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov carries the obligation to act. By choosing safety, strengthening gun laws, and investing in prevention, we show respect to their lives, protecting others from the same fate. Our efforts will determine whether students across the nation can return to classrooms without fear and whether policymakers are willing to do the work needed to make that possible.
— Michelle Kang, Democratic Candidate for Georgia State House District 99
