Brown University Shooting: Two Dead, Suspect in Custody After Finals Period Attack
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Authorities have detained a person of interest following a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, that left two students dead and nine injured during final exams on Saturday. The incident sparked hours of chaos and a campus-wide lockdown, leaving the Ivy League community reeling and grappling with a tragedy that echoes a previous shooting experienced by some students.
Search Intensifies, suspect Identified
A 24-year-old man from Wisconsin is believed to be the alleged attacker, according to media reports, though authorities have not yet officially released his identity. The Washington Post identified the individual as Benjamin Erickson, an Army veteran who may have recently resided in Washington, D.C. The suspect was apprehended Sunday afternoon at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from the Providence campus, with both police and FBI agents remaining on scene.
Initially, authorities reported a suspect in custody on Saturday, but later retracted the statement, clarifying that the search was ongoing. Reader question: Why did authorities initially report a suspect in custody only to retract the statement?
Even former President Donald Trump briefly posted on social media claiming an arrest, before correcting himself following a retraction from Brown university police.
Timeline of the Attack and Lockdown
The shooting began Saturday afternoon within the Barus & Holley Engineering Building. Hundreds of law enforcement officers swiftly responded, combing the campus and surrounding neighborhoods while urging students and staff to shelter in place.The lockdown persisted throughout the night, finally being lifted Sunday morning.
according to a police official, the attacker discharged more than 40 rounds from a 9mm pistol. While the weapon itself has not been recovered, authorities did locate two 30-round magazines. Police released a security video showing the suspect walking away from the scene, but the footage offered limited identifying details.
Student Accounts of Fear and Chaos
Students described scenes of panic and fear as the shooting unfolded. Emma Ferraro,a chemical engineering student,recounted hearing loud pops while working in the building’s lobby and immediately seeking shelter. Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry student, reported being shaken while watching armed officers surround his dorm room across the street.
“I’m here shaking,” Bruce stated, expressing concern for a friend believed to be inside the engineering building. Other students hid under desks and barricaded themselves in classrooms as alerts about the active shooter circulated. Mari Camara, a junior, took refuge in a local taqueria for over three hours, texting friends while awaiting updates.
University and City Response
Brown University has canceled all classes, exams, assignments, and projects for the remainder of the fall semester, allowing students to leave campus. Those who remain will have access to support services. “At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to members of our community as we deal with the pain, fear and anxiety that is affecting us all right now,” stated Chancellor Francis Doyle.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley became emotional while discussing the city’s preparedness for a mass shooting, acknowledging the intellectual understanding of the possibility versus the reality of the event. Pro tip: If you are ever in an active shooter situation, remember to run, hide, or fight.
“It’s not something we should have to train for,but we have,” he said. An increased police presence is expected throughout Providence on Sunday.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Pérez stated Sunday afternoon that the person in custody is between 20 and 30 years old – a revised age range from a previous estimate of 30 to 40. No charges have been filed at this time, and authorities have declined to comment on any potential connection between the suspect and Brown University. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Brown President Christina H. Paxson emphasized the university’s focus on supporting the families of the victims and those injured,stating,”everyone is overwhelmed and we have a long way to go in our recovery.” Did you know? Brown University was founded in 1764 and is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
The community, while strong, faces a devastating path forward.
