Suspect in Brown University shooting arrested in Rhode Island #BrownUniversityShooting", "Former soldier's troubled past under scrutiny after deadly campus shooting #GunViolence. (R) (Image: X, AP)
Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old former US Army infantryman, is the personof interest in the Brown University shooting that killed two people and injured nine others. Erickson’s troubled past and military service have come under scrutiny as investigators try to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Erickson’s History
Erickson enlisted in the US Army in May 2021, serving as an infantryman until November 2024. During his time in the military, he achieved the rank of specialist, but it’s unclear if he saw combat.
The shooting occurred on December 14, 2025, at Brown University’s Barus & Holley engineering building around 4:30 pm, during a final exam review session. The gunfire sent students and faculty running for cover, and the campus was locked down.
Authorities tracked Erickson to a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, using FBI geolocation data. The search for Erickson ended early the next morning when he was arrested at the hotel.
Two firearms, including a revolver and a Glock handgun with a laser sight, were recovered from Erickson’s hotel room. Investigators are examining the guns and reviewing evidence to determine if Erickson had any accomplices.
Erickson’s possible mental health history has raised questions about his motivations. It’s unclear if he had any previous mental health issues or if he was struggling with PTSD from his military service.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not formally charged Erickson with any crimes.
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