Providence community members gathered Sunday evening at Lippitt Memorial Park for a vigil honoring victims of Saturday’s shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine others.
The planned Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting event was transformed into a memorial service as dozens of attendees brought flowers, lit candles, and participated in prayers and moments of silence.
Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, was identified as the person of interest in custody, detained at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from Providence, though no charges have been filed.
The Context
The gunman reportedly opened fire during final exams in the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and physics department. The shooting left at least two people dead and injured nine others who are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Officials have remained reticent to release information to the public after a mistaken report in the first hour after the shooting claimed that a suspect was in custody, a report the school quickly said was “unfounded.” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told CNN during a TV interview Sunday evening that officials want to be very careful with further information releases.
What To Know
Two handguns were recovered when the person of interest was taken into custody, along with two loaded 30-round magazines. One firearm was equipped with a laser sight. Of the nine wounded students, one had been released from the hospital by Sunday, seven were in critical but stable condition, and one remained in critical condition. Durham Academy in North Carolina confirmed that recent graduate Kendall Turner was critically wounded, with her parents at her side.
The lockdown stretched into Saturday night before being lifted early Sunday. Students barricaded themselves in rooms and hid behind furniture and bookshelves during the search. Video footage showed students in a library shaking and wincing as they heard loud bangs before police entered to clear the building.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said Sunday afternoon that no one else was being sought, though he declined to say whether the detained person had any connection to Brown. FBI agents and police remained at the Coventry hotel Sunday, blocking off a hallway with crime scene tape.
What People Are Saying
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley on X: “Tonight, we gathered in the wake of the devastating shooting at Brown University, grieving the lives affected. In a moment marked by fear and heartbreak, we chose to come together. As we mark the first night of Hanukkah and prepare to celebrate Christmas, we’re reminded that light does not erase our community’s loss, but it can help guide us forward. My hope is that tonight offers the first flicker of healing and serves as a reminder that we will get through this together.”
Brown University in a statement posted Sunday afternoon on the school website: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We strongly encourage all faculty and staff to prioritize their health and well-being,” adding, “Please prioritize compassion, open communication and the immediate needs of your team members.”
Brown University’s Vice President for Human Resources Marie Williams wrote on the school website: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, loved ones, and the entire Brown University community during this deeply painful time. We are grateful to all first responders and law enforcement personnel for their immediate response and their ongoing work to ensure the safety of our community. We are especially thankful to our faculty and staff for your dedication, selflessness, and commitment to the well-being of our students, families, and campus community.”
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: “This FBI will continue an all out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served. Thanks to the men and women of the FBI and our partners for their continued teamwork. Please continue praying for the victims and their families – as well as all those at Brown University.”
What Happens Next?
The investigation by local law enforcement and federal officials into the fatal shooting continues.
