Who Is Benjamin Erickson? Brown University Shooting Suspect Identified as Wisconsin Resident
Authorities have identified Benjamin Erickson, a resident of Wisconsin, as the suspect accused in the deadly shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and at least nine others injured, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
Erickson was detained early Sunday at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 16–17 miles southwest of the Brown University campus, following a tip that helped investigators trace his location. Federal and local officers took him into custody without incident, officials said.
Weapons Recovered From Hotel Room
During a search of the hotel room where Erickson was detained, authorities recovered two firearms:
- A revolver
- A small Glock handgun fitted with a laser sight
Multiple federal law enforcement sources confirmed the weapons were seized as evidence and are now undergoing forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Suspect’s Recent Movements Under Review
According to public records reviewed by The Washington Post, Erickson may have recently lived in Wisconsin but also appeared to have connections to an apartment on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, D.C.
Investigators are now working to reconstruct his movements in the days and weeks leading up to the shooting, including possible travel across state lines and any contacts he may have had prior to the attack.
Timeline of the Shooting
The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon near Brown University’s Barus & Holley engineering and physics building, triggering an immediate campus-wide lockdown.
Students and faculty were instructed to:
- Shelter in place
- Lock doors
- Silence phones
- Remain hidden until further notice
Reports indicated that some students barricaded themselves inside classrooms, dorm rooms, libraries, and supply closets while police searched the area.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
Providence police were quickly joined by multiple federal agencies, including:
- FBI
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- U.S. Marshals Service
The multi-agency response expanded beyond campus as authorities searched for the suspect.
FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that the agency used geolocation and cellular analysis technology to help locate and detain the person of interest.
“The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team provided critical support,” Patel said in a post on X, noting that the operation involved FBI Boston’s Safe Streets Task Force alongside local police.
Investigation Ongoing, Motive Unclear
At this stage, authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the attack. Law enforcement officials cautioned that the investigation remains active and evolving, and additional charges could be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
University officials described the shooting as one of the darkest days in Brown University’s history, while city and state leaders urged patience as investigators work to ensure public safety and fully resolve the case.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
