Florida Mom Vanished with Her 2 Kids Fearing U.S. Cities Will Be Bombed

Erica Lynn Brown was found safe after going missing with her 5-year-old and 18-month-old children

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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A Florida woman named Erica Lynn Brown went missing with her two young children, ages 5 and 18 months, because she believes the United States is under imminent threat of bomb attacks. Brown was found safe after authorities issued a Missing and Endangered Person alert, stating that she was in a 'manic/delusional' state and was attempting to reach Canada from Wisconsin.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges authorities face when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises, as well as the need for better resources and support for families in these situations to prevent dangerous outcomes.

The details

According to police, Erica Lynn Brown left her Florida home this week with her two children, a 5-year-old and an 18-month-old, and was attempting to reach Canada by way of Minnesota. Her mother told authorities that she did not believe Brown was currently capable of caring for the children. Brown was spotted crossing the Wisconsin border into Illinois on January 31st, driving a 2016 white Hyundai Accent.

  • On January 31st, around 4:30 pm local time, Brown crossed the Wisconsin border into Illinois.
  • On February 1st, Brown and her children were found safe, and the missing person alert was canceled.

The players

Erica Lynn Brown

A 37-year-old Florida woman who went missing with her two young children, ages 5 and 18 months, because she believes the United States is under imminent threat of bomb attacks.

Wisconsin Dells Police Department

The law enforcement agency that issued a Missing and Endangered Person alert for Erica Lynn Brown and her children.

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What they’re saying

“Brown was in a 'manic/delusional' state and believes the United States cities will be bombed”

— Wisconsin Dells Police Department (NBC 26)

What’s next

Authorities have not provided details on how or where Brown and her children were found, but the missing person alert has been canceled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for better mental health resources and support for families in crisis to prevent dangerous outcomes, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals experiencing delusions or other mental health issues.