Brown University Shooting Suspect Linked to MIT Professor's Death

Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national, has been identified as the suspect in the Brown University shooting that left two students dead and nine others injured. According to Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez, Valente was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire.

Investigators linked Valente to the shooting on December 16, 2025, through video evidence and tips from the public. He was also connected to the murder of MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, who was shot in his home two days later.

Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that Valente was a former Ph.D. student at the university from 2000 to 2003 but had no current affiliation with the institution. The shooting occurred during final exams, causing panic and prompting an extensive manhunt.

The investigation revealed that Valente had previously attended the same university in Portugal as Loureiro, raising questions about his motives. Leah Foley, the U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, stated that Valente had no prior criminal history in the U.S. and had obtained lawful permanent resident status in 2017.

The tragic events have reignited discussions about campus safety and gun violence, with local officials emphasizing the need for community support during this difficult time. As of now, the motive behind Valente's actions remains unclear, with authorities stating, 'Why Brown? I think that is a mystery.'