WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) honored the life of Ella Cook, a native of Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was tragically murdered last weekend during a mass shooting on campus at Brown University. Sen. Tuberville highlighted Ella's devout faith and patriotism during his speech.

Read Sen. Tuberville's remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

"I come the floor today to honor the life of Ella Cook, one of the victims in last weekend's horrific attack that killed two and left more wounded at Brown University. Ella was a 19-year-old female and a sophomore at Brown [University].

Her life was taken far too soon in a disgusting act of violence that leaves all of us searching for answers. You know, moments like this remind all of us how short life really is and how important it is to take advantage of every moment. Ella certainly took advantage of every moment she had with us here on earth. She grew up in Mountain Brook, Alabama. A suburb of Birmingham with two loving parents, Anna and Richard, and two siblings, Hooker and Mary Hamner. Ella loved to play piano, dance, and travel. She was studying French at Brown University. She also loved kids and spent much of her time babysitting and serving in Sunday school. She believed her highest calling was to be a mom one day.

But the most important thing to know about Ella is that she was a devout Christian. She was very involved in her church, the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham and was loved by everyone there. In her obituary, it says 'not only did her personal faith shine out like a bright Christmas star, but she loved others as real people, not as objects. Ella loved God with her whole heart, and she loved people-with her whole heart!' The Reverend of Ella's church described her as an 'incredible, grounded, faithful bright light who lifted up those around her.' I can't think of a better legacy to leave behind than that.

She went off to college at Brown where she was studying French [and] Mathematics-Economics and was obviously very, very smart. She also was a patriot who loved this country, and she served as Vice President of the College Republicans at Brown University. She was clearly a very courageous young lady, and I can't imagine that was an easy job on such a liberal campus as Brown. But Ella was resolute in her mission to speak the truth and to fight every day for the Christian values that have made this country great.

The President of the College Republicans of America described Ella as being known for her 'bold, brave, and kind heart' as she served her chapter and her fellow classmates. You know, the true measure of a life is not found in its length, but [in] its impact. And in the stories shared and the grief that is being expressed, it is clear that Ella left a lasting imprint on the people that she touched.

You know, Alabama misses Ella, and we joined her family and friends in grieving her loss. You know, it certainly seems like this might have been a targeted attack. We will not rest until the deranged psychopath who did this is brought to justice. With that being said, make God bless the Cook family. Give them peace and comfort in the midst of unspeakable tragedy. And we honor Ella by carrying forward the values she lived by.

Though her life was taken far too soon, we know she is in Heaven now, and we will make sure that Ella's legacy of patriotism and faith lives on here on earth.

May God bless the Cook family and may God bless Ella Cook.

I yield the floor."

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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