This message was self-deleted by its author

[applegrove]

This message was self-deleted by its author (applegrove) on Sun Dec 14, 2025, 11:08 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[senseandsensibility]

1. Read on nbc.com that he was in the military until Nov. 2024

lived in Washington DC and before that Wisconsin. They're still investigating a link between him and Brown.

[applegrove]

2. Thanks for adding.

[Prairie Gates]

3. Prediction: The motive for this is going to be stupider than we can currently imagine

IT'S THE GUNS.

[Maru Kitteh]

4. THIS. nt

[stopdiggin]

6. 1+. imputing motive to morons ...

It's a fools game. And one that we should stop playing.

[haele]

17. The three Ps..Personal, Psychiatric, or Politics....

Pretty much covers all the motives.

[Arazi]

22. He's a white male so he'll get the "troubled loner" pass

Unlike Muslims where demonizing an entire population is required, or African Americans who get torched as “inherently violent”.

[stopdiggin]

23. and chasing after 'reasons why' - delivers us pretty much zip

when it comes to combating or prevention.
As the OP tries to point to - - - In a society that is absolutely saturated in firearms ....

We shoot up children's birthday parties - on the basis of the wrong neighbor (or perhaps ex ? ) being in attendance. So - armchair away my friends! If it makes you feel any better - (or any more in control?).

[malaise]

5. Pic from threads

Ex military

Link not working

[Jim__]

7. I think this link works - his picture

source

?c=original/f_avif

[senseandsensibility]

8. I googled threads and benjamin erickson

and saw a different picture. He was a blond guy. Don't know if either of them is accurate.

[malaise]

10. Same here

Thanks

[senseandsensibility]

13. They just showed the other pic on CNN

The one posted by other DUer. I guess that's him.

[malaise]

15. Great thanks

[malaise]

18. Study both pics

It’s the same guy - hair color changed.

[senseandsensibility]

20. Wow

Interesting. Hope we have it straight now.

[malaise]

21. Hehehe

Me too

[DoBW]

12. also

#MAGA logic from Wisconsin:
The alleged Brown University shooter is white — a U.S. Army member named Benjamin Erickson.

By the rules you set, that means all white people are responsible and should be banned from travel.

— Trump Watch 👀 (@trumpwatch.bsky.social) 2025-12-14T23:42:20.641Z

[senseandsensibility]

14. This was just shown on CNN

Your post appears to be accurate.

[malaise]

19. You were right

Same guy- changed his hair color

[rollin74]

9. His party affiliation is listed as "statehood" FWIW. Also, possible extensive mental health history.

Public records show the man’s residence as of 2024 is an apartment in D.C., according to NBC News. He was also registered to vote in the District as recently as 2023. His party affiliation was listed as “statehood.”

According to a statement from Army Spokesperson, LTC Ruth Castro: “Benjamin W. Erickson was an Infantryman (11B) in the Regular Army from May 2021 to November 2024. He has no deployments and left the Army in the rank of specialist.”

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/person-of-interest-in-brown-university-shooting-may-have-connection-to-dc/4028506/

more info from CNN:

The person of interest detained in connection with the Brown University shooting, identified by law enforcement sources as Benjamin Erickson, is a decorated soldier who had served in a position at Arlington National Cemetery, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Erickson, a 24-year-old Wisconsin native, served as an infantry soldier in the US Army, where he passed sniper training, had experience with firearms instruction and had served as a rifleman between 2021 and 2024, according to the profile.

Erickson also received a good conduct medal, participated in “security duties” near the president and assisted with funeral ceremonies at Arlington, the profile stated.

The LinkedIn page stated he planned to continue his college education at Brown University in the fall 2025 semester.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/14/us/benjamin-erickson-brown-university-shooting

[milestogo]

16. Well, his life is effectively over.

[AntiFascist]

24. Perhaps we should wait until all the facts are in...

there may be 3 Benjamin Ericksons who fit the profile, two of which were transferring to Brown at the age of 24, and the blonde one may be a separate individual from a different city in Wisconsin.

Also the pic of him as a brunette is thought to be AI-generated for his LinkedIn profile.