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.
PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — An investigation is underway following allegations that an 8-year-old student was physically assaulted by a music teacher during class at Pleasant Hill Elementary School on November 5, 2025, according to the child’s mother.
The student, Ryder Smith, was participating in music class when the leg of his chair reportedly bent, creating an embarrassing situation.
His mother, Bethany Smith, stated that Ryder attempted to correct the issue himself by turning the chair over and trying to straighten the bent leg.
According to the family, the music teacher responded by yelling at Ryder and, without allowing him to explain, allegedly grabbed him by both shoulders and forcefully threw him backward.
Ryder reportedly struck a table before falling to the floor.
The mother further alleges that while her son lay on the ground crying, the teacher turned up the volume of the classroom music and continued to verbally reprimand him, instructing him to remain on the floor until the end of class.
The incident was reported by the child’s parent to the local sheriff’s office. The family states they were initially informed that the matter would be pursued and that the teacher could face arrest.
The case was later transferred to state police. The family was subsequently notified that no criminal charges would be filed, though they say no explanation was provided for that decision.
According to the mother, several students who were present in the classroom witnessed the incident and gave consistent accounts supporting Ryder’s version of events.
She also reports that the school’s principal—who also serves as the district superintendent—did not notify her of the incident. Instead, she was directed to contact the dean of students at the high school, who had no prior relationship with Ryder or his family.
When the family requested an official incident report, they were provided with what was described as a “referral report.” In that document, the teacher reportedly stated that he had “removed” Ryder from his chair.
The mother alleges that the school attempted to shift responsibility onto her son and that she learned key details of what occurred from another student—information she says conflicted with what school administrators initially told her.
The family further claims that school officials have not acknowledged the seriousness of a staff member physically handling a student.
The mother also alleges that this is not an isolated issue within Pleasant Hill Community Unit School District 4.
Earlier in the school year, she says another teacher in the district was asked to resign following multiple complaints from students and parents regarding abusive conduct.
In an email from the superintendent/principal, the family was informed that the teacher involved in Ryder’s case would return to the classroom effective January 5, 2026, and that the administration considers the matter closed as the district prepares for the second semester.
In a public social media post, Ryder’s mother wrote:
“My child is terrified to go back to school. I am terrified to send him back to school. I am beyond disgusted and disappointed in the decisions of the individuals I entrusted with my children by enrolling them in this district.”
The family states they are continuing to pursue legal action and remain committed to seeking accountability—not only for their son, but for other students they believe may be at risk.
They say they will continue advocating for student safety and transparency from school officials.
No additional comment has been released by the school district or law enforcement regarding the status of any internal review or disciplinary action.