Person of interest detained after Brown University shooting

UPDATE: At a press conference on Sunday night, police announced that the person of interest had been released without charge, saying the gunman is still at large.

A person of interest has been detained in connection with the shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others injured, according to officials. Authorities said they are not seeking any additional suspects at this time.

Providence Police said on Sunday that the individual was detained at a Hampton Inn in the neighboring town of Coventry. Police Chief Oscar Perez told reporters that the shelter-in-place order issued after the shooting has been lifted and that investigators are “not seeking anyone else at this time.”

NBC News, citing three senior law enforcement officials, identified the person detained as 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson. The sources said investigators are examining a possible connection between Erickson and Brown University and are also looking into what may be an extensive mental health history.

Public records reviewed by NBC News indicate that Erickson was living in Washington, D.C., as of 2024 and previously resided in Wisconsin. An Army spokesperson told NBC News that Erickson served as an infantryman from May 2021 to November 2024, had no deployments, and left the service with the rank of specialist.

Police said a firearm was recovered from the person detained and noted that it had a “unique characteristic.” Officials did not release additional details about the weapon.

CNN reported, citing multiple federal law enforcement sources, that a revolver and a small Glock handgun equipped with a laser sight were found in the hotel room where the person of interest was detained.

The shooting was reported shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday inside the Barus & Holley Engineering building on the Brown University campus in Providence, Rhode Island, according to city officials. Two people were pronounced dead, and nine others were injured.

As of Sunday, officials said one victim remained in critical condition, six were in critical but stable condition, and two were in stable condition. All nine injured victims were transported to hospital with gunshot wounds.

Perez said the investigation remains active. Authorities have not released a motive.