Person of Interest in Deadly Brown University Mass Shooting Identified as 24-Year-Old Army Vet from Wisconsin: Reports

Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting Identified as Army Vet, 24

A tragic incident unfolded at Brown University on December 13, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuries to nine others. Reports have now identified the person of interest in the deadly mass shooting as 24-year-old Army veteran, Benjamin Erickson, hailing from Wisconsin.

According to sources from NBC News, The Washington Post, and CNN, Benjamin Erickson, a former Army infantryman from May 2021 to November 2024, has been taken into police custody following the shooting. Although not officially named a suspect or charged, Erickson is believed to have travelled from Wisconsin to Rhode Island to carry out the violent attack.

Law enforcement officials discovered two firearms, a revolver, and a small Glock handgun with a laser sight, inside Erickson’s hotel room at the Hampton Inn in Coventry, as reported by CNN. Despite his denial of involvement in the shooting, police are considering pressing charges against him in the coming hours, as mentioned by Providence Police Department to NBC News.

The incident occurred within the Barus & Holley building on Brown University’s campus during final exams. At 4:05 p.m., authorities were alerted about an active shooter on campus, prompting the issuance of an emergency alert at 4:22 p.m. Described as a male dressed in black, the shooter remained at large until more information began to surface.

In the aftermath of the shooting, one individual was critically injured, while six others were in critical but stable condition, and two had stabilized, as reported by a Brown University Health spokesperson. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later shared that one person had been discharged from the hospital during a press conference on December 14.

Christina H. Paxson, the president of Brown University, expressed deep sorrow at the tragic event, highlighting that support services were being provided to the university community. The gravity of the situation was acknowledged as an unforeseen tragedy, leaving the campus and beyond in a state of shock.

Addressing concerns of the public and anxious onlookers, Col. Oscar Perez, the chief of police in Providence, assured that no further perpetrators were being actively sought. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies were emphasized in ensuring a thorough investigation, as stated by authorities involved in the case.

As the investigation unfolds, details surrounding the motives and circumstances leading to the Brown University shooting are being closely examined. The community, both locally and nationally, remains vigilant in seeking justice for the victims and their families while striving to comprehend the senseless violence that has transpired.

In conclusion, the tragic events at Brown University serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to public safety and the prevalence of gun violence in society. The identification of the person of interest in the shooting sheds light on the complex nature of such incidents and the urgent need for preventive measures to safeguard educational institutions and the wider community.