In a key improvement within the Brown College taking pictures case, authorities have recognized a 24-year-old man as an individual of curiosity.Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old man, was arrested earlier than daybreak on Sunday, at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, following an 11-hour manhunt, New York Put up reported. He was sought in reference to a mass taking pictures at Brown College’s Windfall campus throughout a final-exam research session on Saturday round 4.30 pm. Two college students had been killed and 9 extra wounded when the gunman opened hearth.
Police mentioned Erickson was not a present pupil however investigators had been analyzing whether or not he had studied at Brown or had different ties to the establishment. He was being held as an individual of curiosity; no fees had been filed.
Was Erikson a part of US Military
In accordance with the data, Erickson served within the US Military. He served as an infantryman within the US Military from Might 2021 to November 2024, leaving the navy with the rank of specialist, an Military rep instructed The Put up.His voter registration exhibiting a “statehood” occasion affiliation, in keeping with public data.
What police discovered at his resort room?
Regulation-enforcement officers mentioned the shooter was armed with a handgun and fired greater than 40 9 mm rounds. CCTV footage confirmed a person matching his description strolling alongside a street close to the campus earlier than the assault. Shell casings had been marked with proof tags contained in the constructing the place the taking pictures came about.Investigators had been additionally probing whether or not Erickson had long-standing mental-health points, sources mentioned. “The person instructed authorities he had been in his room all the time Saturday when the taking pictures came about,” CNN mentioned.The motive remained unclear. Erickson didn’t instantly seem to have any prison historical past, in keeping with public data. A revolver and a small handgun fitted with a particular laser mild had been present in his resort room, sources and CNN reported. Sources instructed The Put up that the distinctive laser mild on the handgun helped cause them to the particular person of curiosity.The FBI’s Mobile Evaluation Survey staff geolocated Erickson to the Coventry resort, in keeping with company director Kash Patel. Police additionally used video proof, suggestions from the general public, an examination of license-plate readers and different results in observe him, CNN mentioned.
What occurred at Brown College?
The taking pictures occurred round 4.30 pm throughout a remaining examination evaluate session for an economics class run by Rachel Friedberg, who additionally served as a college affiliate of the college’s Programme in Judaic Research. One sufferer remained in vital situation, seven had been listed as secure and one had been discharged, Windfall Mayor Brett Smiley instructed reporters on Sunday morning.“We proceed to be in mourning as a group in regards to the tragic lack of life from gun violence that stole the lives of two of our college students yesterday,” Brown College President Christina Paxson mentioned in an announcement. “The previous 24 hours actually have been unimaginable — it’s a tragedy that no college group is ever prepared for. Whereas we all the time put together for main crises, we additionally pray such a day by no means comes” she added.A shelter-in-place order was lifted on the campus, though all remaining exams had been cancelled. “Presently, it’s important that we focus our efforts on offering care and assist to the members of our group as we grapple with the sorrow, worry and nervousness that’s impacting all of us proper now,” faculty Provost Francis J. Doyle III mentioned in a message.
Trump provides condolences
US President Trump additionally mourned the victims, talking at a White Home Christmas occasion shortly earlier than a mass taking pictures in Australia’s Bondi Seashore. “I wish to simply pay my respects to the individuals, sadly, two are now not with us, Brown College, 9 injured, and two are trying down on us proper now from Heaven,” Trump mentioned.A candlelight vigil was held for the victims at Lippitt Memorial on Sunday as an alternative of the city’s vacation mild celebration, Windfall Councilwoman Sue AnderBois mentioned as a whole lot gathered. “We’re gathered right here to share mild with each other in one in every of Windfall’s darkest occasions,” she mentioned. “Our hearts break for the 2 college students at Brown who misplaced their lives to gun violence yesterday, and the 9 others who’re injured, and their households and the entire Brown and Higher Windfall group.