Wisconsin man identified as person of interest in connection with deadly Brown University shooting
Originally Published: 14 DEC 25 10:49 ET
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (CNN) - The person of interest detained in connection with Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University has been identified as 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson of Wisconsin, multiple law enforcement sources tell CNN.
Authorities have not publicly identified the person in custody.
The shooting left two students dead and nine others injured at the Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island. A vigil and community event were held at Lippitt Memorial Park Sunday evening, where Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said residents could come together and “shine a little bit of light.” Classes and exams have been canceled at Brown as the campus reels from the shooting.
“It’s clear that our community is still in shock and hurting,” Smiley said. “Now that the initial phase of the investigation has made some progress, we’re turning our attention to caring for our neighbors, both the Brown community and the broader Providence community, and truly all of Rhode Island.”
Authorities believe Erickson traveled from Wisconsin to Rhode Island to carry out the shooting at Brown Saturday night, the sources said.
Authorities traced Erickson to a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island. According to the sources, law enforcement banged on the door, ordering him to open the door. Once inside, they asked where Erickson had been that day and evening. He responded he was there in the hotel the whole time.
Police recovered two firearms from the room, the sources said. A revolver and a small Glock handgun with a laser sight attached were found in the hotel room, according to multiple federal law enforcement sources.
Sources tell CNN witnesses to the shooting on Saturday night described the shooter as having a laser sight on the gun used in the shooting.
The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team used cellphone data to geolocate Erickson, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Rabbi Sarah Mack, senior rabbi of Temple Beth-El, urged the community to band together and “share the light.”
“No matter what our faith tradition, no matter what we believe, each and every one of us can share that light,” she said. “We can use our light to kindle other lights, to care for one another and that is how we get through this dark moment. One step at a time. Sharing our light, caring for one another, committing to be together in community for the long journey that lies ahead.”
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