UPDATE: A somber vigil unfolded Sunday evening at Lippitt Memorial Park in Providence, honoring the victims of a tragic shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others wounded. The gathering, initially intended as a holiday celebration, transformed into a memorial for the lives lost during the horrific attack.
The shooting occurred on December 9, 2023, when gunfire erupted in the Barus & Holley building, home to the School of Engineering and physics department, as students took their final exams. Witnesses reported intense chaos as students barricaded themselves in classrooms, fearing for their lives. Video footage captured the harrowing moments of students trembling in a library as shots rang out nearby.
Authorities have confirmed that Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, is a person of interest in custody. He was detained at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from the university. Although two handguns and two loaded 30-round magazines were recovered, no charges have yet been filed against him.
During the vigil, community members lit candles and shared prayers in a poignant moment of solidarity. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed attendees, expressing deep condolences and emphasizing the importance of unity during this painful time. “Tonight, we gathered in the wake of the devastating shooting at Brown University, grieving the lives affected,” he stated on X. “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.”
Among the wounded is Kendall Turner, a recent graduate of Durham Academy in North Carolina, who remains in critical condition, with her parents by her side. As of now, one of the injured students has been released from the hospital, while seven remain in critical but stable condition.
The lockdown that ensued during the shooting lasted into Saturday night before being lifted early Sunday morning. Police have confirmed that they are not seeking any additional suspects, although they continue to investigate the motives behind the attack.
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on X, “This FBI will continue an all-out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served. Please continue praying for the victims and their families.”
As the community grieves, the investigation remains active, and officials are expected to release more information as it becomes available.
For now, the focus is on healing and supporting those affected by this senseless tragedy. The vigil served not only as a memorial but also as a beacon of hope for the Providence community, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their grief.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
