Brown Shooting Manhunt Resets After Release | Latest Updates
Brown University Shooting Investigation Takes Unexpected Turn as Detained Suspect Released
The investigation into the deadly Brown University shooting took a dramatic turn Sunday night when authorities released the person of interest they had detained just hours earlier. The decision has reset the massive manhunt for the gunman who killed two students and wounded nine others during final exams on Saturday afternoon.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced the release during a late-night press conference, stating that evidence "now points in a different direction." The 24-year-old Wisconsin man, identified by sources as Benjamin Erickson, an Army veteran, was detained Sunday morning at a Coventry hotel following an FBI tip.
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Investigation Forced to Start Over After Evidence Shift
The release of the initial person of interest has forced investigators to reassess all evidence collected since Saturday's attack at the Barus & Holley engineering building. Law enforcement officials admit the investigation experienced a significant setback, requiring them to restart their analysis with fresh perspectives.
Timeline of Events Leading to Release- Saturday, 4:05 PM: Gunman opens fire during final exams at Brown University - Sunday morning: FBI tip leads to detention of 24-year-old person of interest at Coventry hotel - Sunday, 7:00 AM: Officials announce person of interest in custody, lift shelter-in-place order - Sunday, 11:00 PM: Authorities announce release, citing evidence pointing "different direction" - Monday morning: New surveillance footage released showing different person of interest
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the detention, stating the individual faced unwarranted national attention. The governor expressed regret about the situation, noting "it's hard to put that back in the bottle."
New Person of Interest Emerges as Investigation Continues
Authorities released new surveillance footage and photos Monday afternoon showing a different individual they're now pursuing. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Description of New Suspect
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez provided updated details about the new person of interest captured on video approximately two hours before the shooting:
- Height: Approximately 5'8" with stocky build - Clothing: Dark clothing including black surgical-type mask - Location: Spotted near Hope Street and Benevolent Street intersection - Behavior: Distinctive gait and walking rhythm captured on multiple cameras
The surveillance footage shows the individual walking along Waterman Street, with their right hand appearing to remain in their jacket pocket. Law enforcement officials describe the person as armed and dangerous.
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Campus Community Reeling from Shooting and Investigation Updates
The tragic incident claimed the lives of two Brown University students: Ella Cook, 19, vice president of the Brown College Republicans chapter, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, an aspiring neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan. Nine additional students sustained injuries, with several remaining in critical condition.
Impact on Students and Safety Concerns
Brown University student Annie Johnson described how the release of the initial person of interest "completely destroyed" any sense of security students had regained. The university has taken several immediate actions:
- Canceled remaining fall semester classes and exams - Doubled campus security staffing - Enhanced police presence across campus - Urged anyone at Barus & Holley building Friday or Saturday to contact investigators
The campus has also experienced an uptick in "swatting calls" and baseless threat reports since the shooting, further heightening anxiety among students and staff.
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What Students and Community Members Should Do Now
Immediate Safety Steps
Providence authorities emphasize the investigation remains active with multiple agencies coordinating efforts. Community members should take these precautions:
- Report Information: Contact Providence Police immediately with any relevant details about individuals matching the suspect description - Stay Vigilant: Authorities stress the gunman remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous - Avoid Speculation: Officials request the public refrain from sharing unverified information on social media - Use Resources: Students experiencing trauma can access campus mental health resources - Document Evidence: Anyone with video footage from the area should preserve it for law enforcement
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Investigation Methods and Next Steps
Law enforcement officials are conducting door-to-door canvassing in neighborhoods surrounding Brown University, requesting residential security footage that might capture the suspect's movements. The collaborative investigation involves Providence Police, Rhode Island State Police, FBI, and ATF agents.
Evidence Collection Continues
Investigators are reconstructing the suspect's movements before and after the attack to establish patterns and determine whether they remain in Providence. The FBI Evidence Response Team continues searching the grounds around the shooting site.
Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating "we have a murderer out there" but expressed confidence in law enforcement's capability to solve the case. Officials declined to discuss specific investigative strategies to avoid compromising the ongoing work.
Broader Context of Campus Violence
This shooting marks another tragic addition to America's ongoing campus violence crisis. According to Gun Violence Archive data, 2025 has seen at least 391 mass shootings nationwide, with 75 occurring at schools. The incident has reignited debates about campus security measures and gun control policies.
Governor McKee ordered a comprehensive review of school safety measures across Rhode Island, directing state education officials to examine security plans for both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The governor committed "every resource available" to assist Providence and Brown University during the ongoing investigation.
Student Perspectives on Safety Drills
Mayor Smiley recounted visiting hospitalized students, with one telling him that active shooter drills conducted in high school actually helped during the attack. The mayor noted this reality as both hopeful and heartbreaking, emphasizing how frequent such tragedies have become.
#Brown University Shooting Manhunt
The Brown University shooting investigation faces renewed challenges following the release of the initially detained person of interest. As authorities pursue new leads based on surveillance footage showing a different individual, the Providence community remains on edge. The $50,000 FBI reward demonstrates the urgency law enforcement places on identifying and apprehending the gunman responsible for this tragedy.
Students, faculty, and community members continue processing the trauma while authorities work around the clock to bring the shooter to justice. The investigation's unexpected turn underscores the complexity of such cases and the importance of thorough evidence analysis before making arrests.
Anyone with information about the person of interest shown in surveillance footage should immediately contact Providence Police or the FBI tip line. As this investigation continues to develop, the Brown community begins the difficult process of healing while demanding answers and accountability.