Providence Brown University Shooting Incident: Two Fatalities, Nine Wounded; Arrest Made of Suspected Shooter

 Benjamin Erickson Providence, R.I Shooting – On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Brown University community located in Providence, Rhode Island, experienced a tragic shock due to a mass shooting that occurred in the Barus and Holley building dedicated to engineering and physics. This event happened around 4 p.m., claiming the lives of two students and injuring nine others, which led to a rapid response from both law enforcement agencies and emergency services.

Law enforcement has named 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson, who hails from Wisconsin, as a person of interest in connection to the shooting. Early Sunday morning, Erickson was apprehended at a Hampton Inn situated in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 17 miles away from the university campus. The police reported that he was taken into custody without any resistance, with the assistance of cellphone geolocation information and ongoing leads from the Providence Police Department. Recent updates indicate that no formal charges have been leveled against Erickson so far.

A search of Erickson’s accommodation revealed two weapons – a revolver and a 9mm pistol featuring a laser sight – along with two loaded 30-round ammunition magazines. The investigation into his motivations and personal history remains active. Initial findings reveal that Erickson had served in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier from May 2021 until November 2024, but he did not engage in any combat assignments. Public records indicate he is from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and was living in Washington, D.C., as of 2024. A profile on social media hints at his intention to enroll at Brown University for the Fall of 2025.

The names of the victims have yet to be disclosed. According to hospital reports, one of the nine injured has been released, one is in critical condition, while the others are classified as either stable or critical but stable. Authorities are diligently working to provide assistance to the survivors and support to their loved ones.

In the wake of this horrific event, Brown University declared the cancellation of all remaining classes, exams, assignments, and projects for the current semester. Vigils have been organized by the campus and surrounding community to pay tribute to the victims and create an environment for mourning and reflection. University officials have stressed the necessity of safety and community support while the investigation progresses.

Law enforcement continues to gather evidence, analyze security footage, and conduct interviews with witnesses to understand the precise events surrounding the shooting. Investigators are also looking into any potential ties that Erickson might have had to the university and are assessing his mental health background. At this stage, there are no other suspects being pursued, but the investigation remains ongoing and dynamic.

The event has caused significant distress within the Brown University community and the broader Providence area, leading to discussions regarding campus security, gun violence, and the importance of mental health awareness. Authorities have requested patience as the investigation unfolds and have committed to keeping the public updated with information as it arises.