Brown University Shooting: A Community in Shock

On December 13, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, marking the first such incident at an Ivy League institution in recent history. The gunman opened fire in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building during final exams, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The shooting prompted a swift response from law enforcement, leading to a manhunt that has entered its third day with no arrests made.

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Following the shooting, authorities detained a man in his 20s, identified as Benjamin Erickson, as a person of interest. However, he was released after investigators determined that evidence pointed in a different direction. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha stated, “Sometimes you head in one direction and you have to go in another.” The investigation has faced challenges, including limited video evidence, with only a short clip available that does not clearly identify the suspect. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez emphasized the need for community assistance, urging residents to review doorbell camera footage for any suspicious activity.

CNN

In the aftermath of the shooting, Brown University canceled in-person exams and delayed the release of admission decisions to prioritize community support. A vigil was held at Lippitt Park, allowing the community to come together in mourning. Increased security measures were implemented across the campus, and a shelter-in-place order was lifted as authorities reported no ongoing threats. However, heightened police presence was established in surrounding schools, with some opting for remote learning as a precaution.

Providence Journal

The release of the person of interest has raised concerns among community members. Retired Colonel Steven O’Donnell, former superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, stated, “Nobody wants to arrest the wrong person,” emphasizing the complexity of such investigations. Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged the anxiety this situation has caused, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Boston Globe

Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed the community's resilience, stating, “Our community is strong, and we'll get through it.” Meanwhile, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley remarked on the unprecedented nature of the event, saying, “I think maybe intellectually we knew it could happen anywhere, including here, but that's not the same as it happening in our community.”

NPR

• “We have a murderer out there, frankly,” — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha

Providence Journal

• “Every minute that goes by that you haven’t identified who that person is, you get a little further behind, and the chances of solving this quickly and putting that person into custody get a little smaller with every minute, every hour, every day that goes by,” — Andrew McCabe, CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst

CNN

• “This is what these investigations look like,” — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha

Providence Journal

As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are involved in the search for the shooter. The community remains on alert, with ongoing efforts to gather information and support those affected by the tragedy.

Brown University shooter manhunt continues as anxiety grows after person of interest released: Live updates