Benjamin Erickson, the person of interest detained in connection with the Brown University shooting, is a 24-year-old former US Army infantry soldier from Wisconsin with sniper training and experience in firearms instruction. His LinkedIn profile reveals he served in security roles near the president and assisted with funeral ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Caisson Detachment. Erickson planned to enroll at Brown University for the fall 2025 semester after completing his military service, having previously taken online psychology courses at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Former classmates and acquaintances described Erickson as intelligent, well-behaved, and quiet but friendly once known, with no indications of extremist views or behavioral issues. He had diverse interests including animal welfare and veteran support, and had interned as a carpenter and volunteered at a horse rescue center. Authorities confirmed he was not a current Brown student but may have recently enrolled, and there is no significant criminal history aside from a dismissed traffic citation. The FBI was seen investigating at his family home in Wisconsin.