Arrest Made in Brown University Shooting
Authorities have identified the person of interest arrested in connection with the Brown University shooting as Benjamin Erickson, according to law enforcement sources.
Erickson was taken into custody at a local hotel on Saturday after he reportedly opened fire on the Providence, Rhode Island, campus while preparing for a final exam.
The gunman fired over 40 rounds from a handgun during the incident, leaving two individuals dead and nine others injured.
Witnesses recounted hearing the suspect shout something, although they couldn’t clarify what was said.
Officials noted that a distinctive laser light on his weapon helped lead them to Erickson.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley shared that one of the injured remains in critical condition, while seven have stabilized and one person has been discharged from the hospital.
Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed her condolences, emphasizing the shock felt by the university community. She stated, “The last 24 hours have been truly unimaginable… This is a tragedy for which no university community has ever been prepared.”
Following the incident, shelter-in-place orders on Ivy League campuses have been lifted, but all final exams have been canceled. Schools Superintendent Francis J. Doyle III mentioned the importance of providing support to community members as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
