A person of interest has been identified in connection with the mass shooting at Brown University. Benjamin Erickson, 24, was arrested on Sunday morning, as confirmed by senior law enforcement officials. Investigators are examining his mental health history and possible ties to the university.
On Saturday, a shooter took the lives of two individuals and injured nine others at Barus & Holley, an engineering and physics building on campus. Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated that they believe Erickson is the shooter, but they are being thorough before filing any charges.
“We need to ensure we meet all legal requirements,” Perez said. “This investigation is complex, with many pieces of evidence and witnesses to consider.”
Mayor Brett Smiley reassured residents that they should feel safer knowing a suspect is in custody. He emphasized the importance of supporting those recovering in the hospital.
“The students’ resilience is remarkable,” he said after visiting the hospitalized victims. One student mentioned that active shooter drills helped him during the incident, highlighting the troubling reality of gun violence in schools today. A recent survey shows that over 90% of educators believe these drills are necessary, underscoring the frequent threat of such events.
In a broader context, mass shootings are becoming alarmingly common in the U.S. On the same weekend as the Brown University shooting, a tragic incident occurred in Australia, where at least 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah celebration, and in Brooklyn, New York, six teenagers were injured at a birthday party. This tragic pattern calls for urgent conversations about gun safety and community support.
As we confront these issues, families and communities must come together to advocate for change and healing. Understanding the experiences of those affected can guide us toward a safer future.
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