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.
Crime
Shooting reported inside Walmart in Kissimmee
POINCIANA, Fla. — Deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating a reported shooting that occurred inside the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway in Poinciana.
Authorities said they were notified of the incident just before 8:00 p.m. Emergency deputies and first responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Officials confirmed that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
As of now, law enforcement has not released details regarding the number of individuals involved, whether there are confirmed injuries, or whether any suspects are in custody.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging members of the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to work safely and efficiently.
A significant law enforcement presence is expected, and motorists should anticipate traffic delays in the surrounding area.
Additional information will be released through official channels as it becomes available.
