Rhode Island Republican Party Acknowledges the Senseless Killing of Ella Cook

Providence, RI – Chairman Joe Powers released the following statement regarding the tragic shooting at Brown University on Saturday: 

“The Rhode Island Republican Party is devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Ella Cook, Vice President of the Brown College Republicans, whose life was taken in Saturday’s horrific mass shooting. Ella was a bold, faithful, and inspiring young conservative leader who fearlessly shared her beliefs on campus. Described by those who knew her as a “bright light,” kind, and grounded, Ella embodied the very best of the next generation of conservative voices.” 

“We extend our deepest condolences and fervent prayers to Ella’s family, her congregation at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, AL, her friends, the Brown College Republicans, the entire Brown University community, MukhammadAziz Umurzakov and his family during this time of profound grief and anxiety. Our thoughts are with students across Rhode Island who are reeling in fear from this terrible event, and with our law enforcement community as they continue to exhaust all measures in bringing the murderer to justice.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2025

Chairman Joe Powers Slams ‘No Kings’ Protests as Political Theater: “Stop Being a Useful Idiot” 

Warwick, RI: “The so-called “No Kings” protests sweeping the country aren’t about democracy, they’re about distraction.

Let’s get something straight, we don’t have kings in America. We have laws. We have checks and balances. And we have citizens who should know better than to be played like pawns by the political left.

These protests aren’t spontaneous, they’re stage-managed by national activist groups that thrive on outrage. It’s not civic engagement, it’s political theater dressed up as virtue.

Here’s the real question: what if all these protestors and their well-funded sponsors put this much energy into helping the homeless, supporting veterans, or fixing our broken education system? America would be a better place overnight.

Instead, we’ve got people marching with pre-printed signs and pre-scripted outrage, believing they’re part of a movement when in reality, they’re just part of someone else’s marketing campaign.

To everyone out there shouting into the wind, stop being a useful idiot. Think for yourself. Ask who benefits from your outrage. Then get to work solving real problems instead of posing for cameras.

We believe in freedom, responsibility, and results not slogans and stunts. As Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

It’s time to stop shouting about imaginary kings and start helping real Americans.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2025

Chairman Powers Blasts Democrats Over Shutdown Standoff

Warwick, RI: “Make no mistake, this government shutdown is owned…lock, stock, and barrel by the Democrats. Period. Anyone who tells you otherwise…is lying!

For years, Democrats like Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Jack Reed have perfected the art of pointing fingers anywhere but at themselves. But this time, there’s nowhere to hide. While Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House, the reality is simple, without cooperation from Democrats in the Senate, critical funding bills don’t move. That’s how our system works. Anyone in elected office who doesn’t understand that or lies to their constituents about how it works should enroll in a basic civics course or should resign from their seat immediately.

President Donald Trump has already taken decisive action to keep essential services afloat. By leveraging tariff revenues, his administration is ensuring that federal employees receive pay and that vital programs like WIC remain funded, proving once again that Republican leadership solves problems while Democrats manufacture crises.

The American people deserve leaders who govern, not grandstand. This shutdown is a deliberate political stunt by Democrats, designed to score points at the expense of working families. Rhode Islanders see through it, and so do we.

As Attorney General Bondi said, I wish the Democrats loved Americans as much as they hate Pres. Trump. I can only imagine how much we could accomplish. It’s time for Senators Whitehouse, Reed, and their Democrat colleagues to stop the games and reopen the government they chose to close.”