Panic gripped the historic campus of Brown University this weekend as gunfire erupted during finals, leaving two dead and nine injured in a tragedy that has sent shockwaves far beyond Rhode Island.

For the thousands of Kenyan families with children pursuing higher education in the United States, the attack at the prestigious Ivy League institution serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of American gun violence. The incident occurred inside an engineering building, transforming a quiet Saturday of study into a crime scene.

The Investigation Intensifies

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed on Sunday that a "person of interest" in their 20s is currently in custody. While Chief Perez remained tight-lipped regarding specific motives, he noted that the individual was detained shortly after the chaos subsided.

While Streamline News awaits official police confirmation, NBC News—citing law enforcement sources—has identified the man in custody as Benjamin Erickson, 24. Erickson is reported to be a former soldier who has previously resided in Wisconsin and Washington D.C.

Reports indicate that formal charges could be filed within hours as detectives piece together the timeline of the attack.

From the Barracks to the Classroom

Emerging details paint a complex picture of the suspect. According to an Army spokesperson, Erickson served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army between May 2021 and November 2024. His transition from military service to civilian life appears to have been recent.

Although The Guardian has not independently verified the identity, a social media profile matching Erickson’s name and service dates suggests a link to the university:

• Military Service: Infantryman, May 2021 – Nov 2024.
• Academic Path: Previously enrolled at the University of Wisconsin during the pandemic.
• Brown Connection: The profile claims he "transferred to Brown University after leaving service to attend in the fall 2025 semester."

The profile also indicated a willingness to volunteer in both Milwaukee and Providence, suggesting a planned or current relocation to the area.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus turns to how a place of learning became a target. For the global academic community—and parents watching anxiously from Nairobi—the priority now shifts from shock to a demand for answers and safety.