Crime
FBI released Benjamin Erickson from custody
UPDATE: Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley says law enforcement will release the person of interest in Brown University mass shooting, who was detained earlier Sunday morning. The gunman remains at large.
Benjamin Warren Erickson, the individual previously detained as a person of interest in the deadly shooting at Brown University, has been released by law enforcement, according to city and state officials.
Authorities emphasized that Erickson is not involved in the attack and that the investigation has shifted in a different direction.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the release, while Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha explained that investigators initially followed leads that appeared to point to Erickson but later determined those leads were incorrect.
“Sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup and go in another,” Neronha said. He added that the evidence now points elsewhere, and acknowledged the harm caused by the premature public identification of Erickson.
“It was really unfortunate that this person’s name was leaked to the public. It’s hard to put that back into the bottle,” the attorney general said.
Officials reiterated that the gunman remains at large, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Reports circulating online have suggested that the suspected shooter may have been Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who previously served time in federal prison after being convicted of providing material support to Islamic State and was reportedly released in 2024.
Authorities have confirmed that one person was killed, two others were injured, and the suspected gunman is dead following a shooting on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
University officials issued an “all clear” notification shortly after noon, stating that the emergency had ended and there was no longer an active threat to the campus community. However, authorities advised students and the public to continue avoiding the area around Constant Hall, where investigators and emergency crews remained on scene.
During a press conference held at approximately 2:00 p.m., ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that one victim had died, while two other victims were injured and are now reported to be in stable condition.
One of the injured individuals transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach.
According to officials, officers responded to reports of gunfire inside Constant Hall at approximately 10:50 a.m. When police arrived, they located the suspected gunman deceased. Authorities have not yet publicly released details regarding how the suspect died.
Both injured victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital at approximately 11:15 a.m., initially reported to be in critical condition.
In a statement, U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that two of the victims were members of the university’s ROTC program.
“We are deeply saddened by the active shooter incident that occurred at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. We can confirm that two members of the university ROTC program were shot and were taken to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.”
Following the incident, ODU officials issued an all-clear message at approximately 12:15 p.m., informing students and staff that the immediate threat had been neutralized but advising the community to avoid Constant Hall while the investigation continues.
ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. released a statement expressing condolences and gratitude to first responders.
“Earlier today, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners with the City of Norfolk who assisted the injured.”
In response to the shooting, Old Dominion University canceled all classes and suspended operations on the main campus for the remainder of March 12, and the university also announced that the campus would remain closed on Friday.
A Family Information Center was established at Chartway Arena, specifically in the Big Blue Room, for relatives seeking information about loved ones.
Students, faculty, and staff were directed to Broderick Dining Commons, where counseling services and support resources were made available. Additional counseling assistance, including the Talk Campus 24-hour peer support platform, was also offered to students.
Witnesses described the chaotic moments when the incident began. Logan Hayes, an ODU sophomore, said he was inside Constant Hall taking a test when the situation unfolded.
According to Hayes, the building’s fire alarm sounded, prompting students to evacuate the building quickly as the emergency response began.
The incident also prompted precautionary safety measures at nearby schools. Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that Larchmont Elementary School, James Monroe Elementary School, and W. H. Taylor Elementary School were placed on secure hold while police responded to the situation.
Officials also confirmed that students from nearly every high school in Norfolk were visiting the ODU campus for a SOAR tour at the time of the shooting. Those students were sheltered in place, and authorities later confirmed that all visiting students and staff were accounted for and safe.
School officials asked parents to avoid the campus area due to the large police presence while the situation was being handled.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media that federal agents are working alongside local authorities to support the response and investigative efforts.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and officials say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.