Benjamin Erickson, Wisconsin Native, Detained as Person of Interest in Deadly Brown University Shooting [VIDEO]

Providence, R.I. — Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old Wisconsin native, has been detained as a person of interest in a deadly mass shooting at Brown University that killed two people and injured nine others, according to law enforcement sources.

Authorities say Erickson was taken into custody at approximately 3:45 a.m. Sunday at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 28 miles south of Providence. The detention was carried out by Providence police with assistance from the Coventry Police Department, according to department spokesperson Kristy DosReis.

Sources indicate Erickson was allegedly carrying two firearms at the time of his arrest.

Investigation Ongoing, No Additional Suspects Sought

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez Jr. said investigators are actively gathering evidence and executing search warrants related to the case. He declined to comment on a possible motive but stated that officials are not currently searching for any additional suspects.

Authorities have not formally announced charges or publicly identified a suspect.

Shooting Details and Victim Conditions

The shooting occurred just after 4 p.m. Saturday at the Barus and Holley Building on Brown University’s campus, which houses the School of Engineering and the Physics Department.

Two people were killed, and nine others were injured. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said that as of Sunday morning, seven victims were in stable condition, one was in critical but stable condition, and one person had been discharged from the hospital.

According to Brown University President Christina Paxson, all of the victims are students. Officials said not all families have been notified, and the names of the victims have not yet been released.

Cross-Country Travel and Firearms Evidence

Investigators say Erickson is believed to have driven approximately 17 hours from Wisconsin to Rhode Island prior to the shooting, a detail that has become a significant focus of the investigation.

Sources familiar with the case said a critical break came after witnesses described a distinctive feature of a firearm used during the attack. A gun matching that description was later recovered at the hotel where Erickson was detained, along with a second firearm.

Federal Activity in Wisconsin

On Sunday afternoon, WISN crews observed FBI agents at a residence in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The FBI has not confirmed whether the activity is directly connected to the Brown University shooting or to Erickson’s detention.

Military Ties and Background

A staff member at Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Maryland confirmed that Erickson was affiliated with an Army unit that trained at the facility between 2023 and 2024.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Erickson began taking online courses at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee before joining the Army. His profile lists interests in animal welfare, veteran support, and assistance to underserved communities, as well as prior experience interning as a carpenter and volunteering at a horse rescue center.

Case Remains Active

Rhode Island authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and fluid. Additional details, including potential charges, are expected to be released as the case develops.