Providence, Rhode Island – Authorities have identified the person of interest taken into custody following the deadly mass shooting at Brown University as a 24-year-old former U.S. Army infantryman from Wisconsin, according to multiple law enforcement sources cited by national media outlets. The shooting left two people dead and nine others injured and occurred during afternoon final exams on campus.
What Authorities Have Confirmed So Far
The individual has been identified as Erickson, who served as an Army infantryman from May 2021 to November 2024, according to an Army spokesperson. Lt. Col. Ruth Castro told NBC News that Erickson had no overseas deployments and left the Army with the rank of specialist.
Police believe Erickson traveled from Wisconsin to Rhode Island ahead of the shooting. However, he has not been formally charged or officially named a suspect as of Sunday, and the investigation remains active.
Where the Person of Interest Was Located
According to law enforcement sources, investigators traced Erickson to a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, located roughly 20 miles from the Brown University campus.
After entering the hotel room, police questioned Erickson about his whereabouts during the shooting. He reportedly told officers that he was at the hotel at the time of the incident. Authorities have not publicly commented on whether that statement has been verified.
Multiple outlets reported that during the search of the hotel room, police found two firearms:
- A revolver
- A Glock handgun equipped with a laser sight
At least 20 law enforcement personnel, including Providence police officers, U.S. Marshals, and FBI agents, were seen entering the hotel room as part of the operation.
Police: Investigation Ongoing, No Charges Yet
The Providence Police Department (PPD) emphasized that no formal charges have been filed at this time.
“We are unable to confirm details about the investigation at this point as we have not charged anyone yet,” the department said in a statement.
In an update released on December 14, authorities added that the investigation remains ongoing and involves close coordination between the Rhode Island State Police, the FBI, and local and federal partners.
“Additional information will be released as it becomes available and once we have a clearer and more complete picture of the circumstances involved,” the statement said.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated during a press conference that investigators are not currently searching for any additional perpetrators.
Timeline of the Brown University Shooting
The shooting took place inside Brown University’s Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the physics department. At the time, the building was hosting multiple final exams.
- 4:05 p.m. – Authorities received a call reporting an active shooter on campus
- 4:22 p.m. – Brown University issued its first emergency alert warning of an active shooter
Early descriptions identified the shooter as a male dressed in black, last seen exiting the building on the Hope Street side. Despite a large-scale police search, the shooter initially remained at large.
Victims and Injuries
A spokesperson for Brown University Health said that among the nine people injured:
- One person was in critical condition
- Six were listed as critical but stable
- Two were stabilized
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later confirmed that one injured person had been discharged from the hospital as of December 14.
University Response and Campus Support
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson said that multiple exams were scheduled in the affected building between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the shooting.
In a statement to the campus community, she described the incident as “a day that no university community is ever prepared for” and confirmed that counseling and support services were being made available to students, faculty, and staff impacted by the tragedy.
What Happens Next
Authorities have indicated that charges could be filed in the coming hours, but stressed that all investigative steps must be completed before any formal announcements are made. Law enforcement continues to review evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate across agencies.
As this remains a developing situation, officials urge the public to rely on confirmed updates from law enforcement and university officials.
If you were on campus or affected by this incident, share your experiences in the comments below.
