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According to multiple news outlets citing law enforcement sources, 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson has been identified as the person of interest in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Erickson has not been named as a suspect or charged in connection with the shooting, and officials have repeatedly referred to the person in custody as a "person of interest."

Why It Matters

The gunman opened fire during final exams in the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and physics department. The shooting left at least two people dead and injured nine others who are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

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Officials have remained reticent to release information to the public after a mistaken report in the first hour after the shooting claimed that a suspect was in custody, a report the school quickly said was "unfounded." Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told CNN during a TV interview Sunday evening that officials want to be very careful with further information releases.

What To Know

Erickson was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, which is about 15 miles from the campus. Public records indicate he had no previous criminal record.

Police found the person of interest with two handguns, a revolver and a Glock with a laser targeting system on it, according to The Washington Post.

Erickson has ties to Wisconsin and had recently lived in Washington, D.C., according to public records. He served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army from May 2021 to November 2024, NBC News reported.

Army spokesperson LTC Ruth Castro told the news outlet that Erickson had "no deployments and left the army in the rank of specialist."

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What People Are Saying

Brown University in a statement posted Sunday afternoon on the school website: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We strongly encourage all faculty and staff to prioritize their health and well-being," adding, "Please prioritize compassion, open communication and the immediate needs of your team members."

Brown University's Vice President for Human Resources Marie Williams wrote on the school website: "Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, loved ones, and the entire Brown University community during this deeply painful time. We are grateful to all first responders and law enforcement personnel for their immediate response and their ongoing work to ensure the safety of our community. We are especially thankful to our faculty and staff for your dedication, selflessness, and commitment to the well-being of our students, families, and campus community."

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: "This FBI will continue an all out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served. Thanks to the men and women of the FBI and our partners for their continued teamwork. Please continue praying for the victims and their families - as well as all those at Brown University."

What Happens Next?

The investigation by local law enforcement and federal officials into the fatal shooting continues.

Update 12/14/25, 6:32 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.