A person of interest is in custody following a mass shooting at Brown University that left at least two people dead and nine others wounded, authorities said. The attack occurred Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m., prompting a campus-wide shelter-in-place order that forced students and faculty to remain overnight.
Suspect Not Yet Charged
NBC News and The Washington Post, citing officials briefed on the investigation, identified the person of interest as Benjamin Erickson, 24. USA TODAY has not independently confirmed the identification. Officials emphasized that Erickson has not been charged and has not been named as a suspect.
Victims’ Conditions and Notifications
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said one of the nine wounded victims has been discharged, one remains in critical condition, and seven are in stable condition. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased, noting that not all families had been notified as of Sunday.
Arrest Made at Rhode Island Hotel
According to the FBI, the person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 16 miles southwest of Brown’s campus. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators used cellular data and a tip from Coventry police to locate the individual, who was detained by U.S. Marshals and Providence police.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials said they are reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Police indicated they are not searching for additional suspects and declined to say whether the detained individual is affiliated with the university.
Leaders Call for Support and Prayers
Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee urged the public to pray for the victims and their families, saying the community is “suffering and in pain.” Federal and local victim specialists are assisting those affected, Patel said.
Public Asked to Share Information
Police are asking residents and businesses near the Barus and Holley Building and along Hope Street to review security footage from the time of the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Providence Police non-emergency line at 401-272-3121.
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