Person of interest identified in Brown University shooting
U.S. authorities have identified a person of interest in the shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others wounded
PROVIDENCE, United States (MNTV) — U.S. authorities have identified a person of interest in the shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others wounded, according to U.S. media reports.
NBC News reported that Benjamin Erickson, 24, was detained early Sunday in connection with the shooting, citing three senior law enforcement officials.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez Jr. told the outlet that investigators are confident Erickson is the gunman, although formal charges had not yet been announced.
The shooting took place on Saturday at Barus & Holley, an engineering and physics building on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
The campus was placed under lockdown following the attack as hundreds of law enforcement personnel were deployed.
Police said investigators are examining Erickson’s background, including his mental health history and any possible connection to the Ivy League university.
Perez said authorities are coordinating with the Rhode Island attorney general’s office to ensure all legal procedures are followed before filing charges.
“This is complex,” Perez said, citing the large volume of evidence and the number of witnesses involved.
He added that police cannot legally hold Erickson beyond Monday unless charges are filed, and said investigators hope an arraignment will take place “sooner rather than later.”
According to public records reviewed by NBC News, Erickson most recently lived in Washington, D.C., and previously resided in Wisconsin.
Initial checks did not reveal any criminal record.
The report also said Erickson served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman from May 2021 until November 2024.
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