Brown University Shooting Update: Army Veteran Benjamin Erickson Named as Person of Interest

Providence authorities have identified the person of interest detained in connection with the Brown University shooting as Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old Wisconsin native, according to multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.

Erickson was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 15 miles from Brown’s campus, following a coordinated operation involving local, state, and federal agencies.

Public records, including a LinkedIn profile reviewed by investigators, indicate that Erickson previously served as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army from 2021 to 2024. His profile lists experience as a rifleman, sniper training, and firearms instruction, as well as receiving a Good Conduct Medal. It also states that he completed security-related duties, including assignments near the president and participation in military funeral ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.

A U.S. Army spokesperson confirmed that Erickson had no overseas deployments and separated from the service last year with the rank of specialist.

According to law enforcement, Erickson is not currently enrolled at Brown University, though individuals familiar with the case say he may have recently been enrolled or planning to enroll. His LinkedIn profile mentions an intention to continue his education at Brown during the fall 2025 semester.

The profile further notes that Erickson completed online psychology coursework at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee after graduating high school in July 2020, before joining the military.

Brown University has not issued any public comment about Erickson’s academic history.

The LinkedIn profile includes a range of personal interests, such as animal welfare, veteran support, and assisting underserved populations. It also indicates that Erickson interned as a carpenter and volunteered at a horse rescue organization.

A staff member at Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Maryland confirmed that Erickson was part of an Army unit that trained there between 2023 and 2024. The unit was associated with the Caisson Detachment of the U.S. Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, which provides horse-drawn escorts during military and state funerals.

Additional records show that Erickson participated in high school wrestling and maintained a social media presence during his teenage years, posting about wrestling, music, and political satire. A review of court filings revealed no significant criminal history aside from a 2023 citation for driving on a sidewalk, which was later dismissed.

Two individuals familiar with the investigation confirmed that Erickson was identified as the person of interest and detained early Saturday morning. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team used cellphone data to help locate Erickson at the Coventry hotel.

Federal law enforcement sources report that a revolver and a small Glock handgun equipped with a laser sight were recovered from Erickson’s hotel room. Investigators believe he traveled from Wisconsin to Rhode Island ahead of the attack.

Sources say officers instructed Erickson to open his hotel room door and questioned him about his whereabouts during the time of the shooting. He reportedly told investigators he had remained at the hotel during the relevant period.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez acknowledged the multi-agency operation at a news conference but declined to release further details, citing the active investigation.

The shooting occurred inside the Barus and Holley Engineering Building at Brown University, specifically in a first-floor classroom associated with Rachel Friedberg, a Faculty Associate in the Program in Judaic Studies who previously taught at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The building was hosting scheduled exams at the time.

At approximately 4:22 p.m., Brown University issued an emergency alert warning of an active shooter near the Barus and Holley Engineering Lab, advising students and staff to lock doors, silence phones, and shelter in place. A later alert reported additional gunfire near Governor Street, two blocks from campus.

Authorities have confirmed:

• Two fatalities

• Eight victims hospitalized in critical but stable condition

• One additional victim injured by bullet fragments, expected to recover

Police believe all victims were students.

Before Erickson’s detention, the suspect was described as a male dressed in black, possibly wearing a camouflaged mask. No firearm was recovered at the scene, though investigators have stated a weapon was used. Authorities reported that the suspect fled the building on foot toward Hope Street. There was no direct confrontation with officers inside the building, and police confirmed they do not have interior surveillance footage. The entry and exit path of the suspect remains under review.

Officials emphasize that Erickson is currently detained as a person of interest, and no formal charges have been filed. The investigation remains active as Brown University, Providence Police, the FBI, and federal partners work to reconstruct events and determine motive.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley stated that agencies remain in close coordination and urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators continue their work.