A devastating incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Brown University, where a gunman opened fire inside an academic building during final exams, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The incident took place at approximately 4 p.m. ET in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building during an economics class, sending shockwaves through the Providence, R.I. community.
On Sunday morning, officials confirmed that a man in his 20s had been detained as a person of interest in connection with the shooting. Sources familiar with the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, identified the suspect as Benjamin Erickson. However, authorities have yet to disclose additional details regarding his background or the motive behind the attack.
Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley expressed the community's shock, stating that while they intellectually understood violence could happen anywhere, including Brown University, it was still a profound shock to see it happen locally. "This is not the same as it happening in our community," he remarked during a Sunday morning press conference.
The tragic events prompted an outpouring of sympathy and support from across the state and beyond. Former President Trump extended his condolences to the victims' families, stating, "Brown University is a great school. To the nine injured, get well fast, and to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects."
According to Brown University President Christina Paxson, seven of the injured individuals were classified as critical but stable, while another was in critical condition. Fortunately, one victim was treated and later discharged from the hospital.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez reported that law enforcement was not actively seeking any additional suspects, though the investigation remains ongoing. The suspect fled the scene on foot, complicating the efforts of the police to ascertain how he gained entry to the building. Brown University Provost Francis Doyle stated that access to the academic building is regulated via card swipes, but the heightened traffic during exam periods may have contributed to the breach.
Officials released a brief video showing a person of interest walking away from the scene; however, the footage did not capture the individual’s face. The investigation led to the detention of the person of interest on Sunday morning in a hotel room located in Coventry, approximately 20 miles southwest of Brown University. This arrest was made based on a lead provided by the Providence Police and confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel on social media platform X.
In the wake of the tragedy, Brown University has decided to cancel nearly all remaining in-person exams for the fall semester. Provost Doyle emphasized the importance of prioritizing care and support for the university community as they navigate the overwhelming sorrow, fear, and anxiety resulting from the shooting. "Our community is strong, and we'll get through it," Paxson stated during a press briefing, although acknowledging the devastating nature of the incident.
Following the shooting, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order for the Brown campus and surrounding areas on Sunday morning, allowing for a gradual return to normalcy as the community begins to heal from this tragic event.