Providence, Rhode Island — After hours of fear, confusion, and lockdown
alerts rippling across campus, authorities have confirmed the identity of the suspect connected to the Brown University shooting.
Police say the individual is a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, identified as Benjamin Erickson.
For students and parents, the name brings no comfort — only more questions.
What began as frantic text messages and emergency sirens quickly turned into a massive law enforcement response near Brown’s campus, with officers flooding surrounding streets and ordering students to shelter in place.
Multiple sources confirm the suspect was located following an intense search, though investigators are still working to determine motive and whether anyone else was involved.
Authorities have not yet released full details about how Erickson arrived in Rhode Island, what he was carrying, or what may have triggered the incident — but officials warn the investigation is still active.
Students described chaotic moments as alerts hit their phones, classrooms locked down, and rumors spread faster than official updates.
Parents across the country say they were glued to their screens, waiting for confirmation their children were safe.
Officials stress there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time, but the emotional toll remains heavy as the campus processes yet another shocking act of violence.
More updates are expected as police release additional information.