Key Takeaways
• Person of interest is Benjamin Erickson, 24, from Wisconsin.
• He was found and held at a hotel near Brown University.
• Erickson served as an infantry soldier with sniper training.
• Authorities found two handguns on him when they detained him.
• The FBI also searched a home owned by his family.
A deadly shooting rocked Brown University on Saturday. Two students died and nine others were hurt. On Sunday night, the campus held a candlelit vigil to honor the victims. In the hours that followed, police detained a person of interest. His name is Benjamin Erickson. He now faces intense scrutiny as investigators piece together what happened.
Benjamin Erickson’s Name and Detention
Benjamin Erickson, 24, grew up in Wisconsin. Local reports say he drove to Rhode Island alone. Overnight, authorities tracked him to a hotel in Coventry, a town just outside campus. They acted on tips and witness statements. Then, they arrested Erickson without firing a shot. He did not resist. In addition, officers discovered two firearms when they searched his room.
Benjamin Erickson’s Military Service
Benjamin Erickson served in the U.S. Army between 2021 and 2024. He enlisted as an infantry soldier and earned specialist rank. Moreover, he took part in sniper training and worked as a rifleman. However, he did not deploy overseas last year. Following his service, he found a civilian job at Arlington National Cemetery. There, he handled ceremonial duties and grave preparations.
Benjamin Erickson’s Firearms Possession
When police arrested Erickson, they recovered two handguns. One was a revolver. The other was a compact Glock with a laser sight. Investigators say both had live rounds. Moreover, officers believe these guns match ballistics from the shooting scene. At the hotel, Erickson kept the weapons in a locked bag. However, he had no permit on record in Rhode Island.
Benjamin Erickson’s Academic Background
After high school, Benjamin Erickson studied psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Then in 2025, he transferred to Brown University in Providence. Reports note he was not enrolled at Brown when the shooting happened. Class records indicate he left the university this spring. Still, some students recall seeing him on campus over the summer. Investigators want to know why he returned.
FBI Search of Erickson’s Family Home
On Sunday, federal agents searched a house owned by Erickson’s family in Wisconsin. They moved in quietly before dawn. Neighbors reported seeing box trucks and evidence markers in the yard. So far, officials have not revealed any new findings. However, they confirmed the search aims to uncover digital files or weapons. Meanwhile, the FBI plans more interviews with family members.
What Comes Next for Benjamin Erickson
Erickson remains in custody as police build their case. He faces charges related to the mass shooting if evidence ties him to the crime. Prosecutors will review ballistics tests, security footage, and witness statements. Furthermore, they will examine any materials found during the home search. In the coming days, a judge will decide if he stays jailed until trial.
The campus community is still in shock. Students and staff demand answers and safety measures. Brown University leaders promise to improve security. At the same time, memorials continue across campus. Flowers, candles, and photos line walkways. Above all, the focus remains on healing and support for those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Benjamin Erickson?
Benjamin Erickson is a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin. Authorities have named him a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. He is a military veteran who later worked at Arlington National Cemetery.
What weapons did Erickson have when he was detained?
Police found a revolver and a small Glock handgun with a laser sight when they arrested Erickson. Both guns had live ammunition and matched ballistics from the shooting scene.
Did Benjamin Erickson attend Brown University?
Erickson transferred to Brown University in 2025 after studying psychology elsewhere. However, he was not enrolled at Brown at the time of the shooting.
Why did the FBI search Erickson’s family home?
Investigators searched the home to locate possible digital evidence, documents, or firearms linked to the shooting. Officials have not disclosed any discoveries from that search.