Police Release Person of Interest in Brown University Mass Shooting

8:40 PM PT -- In a major twist ... Authorities are releasing the person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting because they had "some degree of evidence" against him, but the "evidence now points in a different direction," according to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.

The person of interest taken into custody in connection to the Brown University shooting is reportedly a 24-year-old with U.S. Army training.

CNN -- citing multiple law enforcement sources -- has identified the person of interest as Benjamin Erickson ... a man from Wisconsin who served in the army from 2021 to 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile, which has been taken down.

Erickson reportedly passed sniper training, worked in firearms instruction and ultimately left the military after having attained the rank of Specialist.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army told the outlet he was never deployed ... and his social media indicates he served at Arlington National Cemetery.

As you know ... a person of interest was taken into custody Sunday morning at a Rhode Island hotel where he was reportedly found with a pair of firearms.

The POI's detention came after authorities released video of the suspect fleeing the scene ... making a sharp turn around a corner and keeping his head down in his all black outfit.