A Horrific Attack at Brown University
On the afternoon of November 28, 2025, the tranquil campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, was shattered by an act of unthinkable violence. During final exams week, a gunman opened fire inside the Barus and Holley Engineering Building, killing two people and injuring several others. As students and staff fled in terror, authorities rushed to the scene, securing the campus and launching a full-scale investigation.
The brutal attack, which occurred in a classroom during exams, was initially met with confusion and fear. Brown University’s emergency alert system sent out an urgent message, warning of an active shooter and instructing everyone on campus to shelter in place. Soon after, a second alert confirmed additional gunfire near Governor Street, only two blocks away. The sound of gunshots echoed in the hearts of students, faculty, and the entire Providence community, marking an event that would leave an indelible scar.
Benjamin Erickson: Person of Interest in Custody
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities quickly moved to identify the individual behind this horrific act. Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, was detained in connection with the shooting. According to law enforcement sources, he was apprehended during an early morning operation at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island—roughly 15 miles southwest of Brown University.
Although Erickson is currently considered a person of interest, he has not been formally charged with any crime. The investigation remains active, and officials have urged the public to refrain from speculating about his role in the shooting. While Erickson was questioned by authorities, he reportedly stated that he had stayed inside the hotel during the time of the attack. A search of his hotel room yielded two firearms—one a revolver, the other a Glock handgun—with a laser sight, raising further questions about his potential involvement.
Erickson’s background is also under scrutiny. He previously served in the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, adding an unexpected twist to the investigation. However, authorities have not confirmed if his military service is connected to the shooting. In light of this, investigators are continuing to explore his movements, connections, and any possible links to the campus or the victims.
The Ongoing Investigation: A Long Road Ahead
As law enforcement agencies—local, state, and federal—continue their investigation, the Brown University community remains in shock. The attack has reignited national discussions about campus safety, gun violence, and the emotional toll such tragedies take on academic institutions. Brown University officials have expressed their deepest condolences to the victims’ families, offering counseling services to students and staff affected by the violence.
The FBI’s involvement in the case has meant that details have been slow to emerge, leaving the public with more questions than answers. Authorities are focused on reconstructing the events of the day and establishing the shooter’s motives, as well as determining whether others may have been involved in the attack. With limited information released thus far, investigators are treading carefully to ensure that the truth is uncovered without compromising the investigation.
The shooting has not only caused immense grief for the families of the victims but has also deeply affected the Brown University campus, which now faces the difficult task of healing from such a traumatic experience. The community, once known for its academic excellence and rich tradition, is now forced to reckon with the horrifying reality of gun violence.
While the investigation is ongoing, one thing is clear: this tragedy will leave a long-lasting impact on everyone it touched. As the authorities continue their work, all eyes remain on the search for justice and closure for the victims and their families.