Manhunt Concludes After Suspect in Brown University and MIT Shootings Found Dead

Authorities confirm the death of the suspected gunman after a multi‑day search linking two deadly attacks in New England.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Law enforcement officials announced Friday that the suspect believed responsible for a shooting at Brown University and the later killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor was found dead in New Hampshire, concluding a five-day manhunt that spanned multiple states.

The suspect, identified as Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48, a former graduate student and Portuguese national, was discovered in a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire. Authorities said he died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. The search involved the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and local law enforcement agencies.

Sequence of Attacks

The events began on December 13, when a gunman opened fire inside an engineering classroom at Brown University, killing two students and wounding nine others. Two days later, investigators linked the Brown incident to the fatal shooting of MIT physics professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro in Brookline, Massachusetts. Loureiro, a respected researcher, had previously worked in the same academic circles as the suspect.

Authorities said the attacks were connected, prompting a coordinated manhunt. Surveillance footage, license plate reader data, and public tips assisted in locating the suspect.

Suspect Background

Valente had briefly attended graduate programs in physics before leaving without a degree. He later became a U.S. permanent resident through the diversity visa program. Investigators determined he had traveled through the Boston area prior to the Brown shooting and took measures to evade detection. Despite these efforts, law enforcement was able to track him using technology and community reporting.

Victims and Community Response

At Brown University, the deceased students were identified as Ella Cook, 19, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18. Nine others sustained injuries but were treated and released from local hospitals. The university community held vigils, and remaining classes and exams were canceled as students and faculty processed the events.

In Brookline, colleagues and students of Professor Loureiro mourned his death, recognizing his contributions to plasma science and fusion research. Condolences also came from the broader academic community and international peers.

Investigation and Motive

Authorities have shifted focus to understanding the motive behind the shootings. Officials have emphasized that the reasons for Valente’s actions remain under investigation. Federal and local authorities continue to collect evidence to clarify the circumstances leading to the attacks.

Implications for Campus Safety

The events have renewed discussion about campus security and public safety measures. Law enforcement highlighted the importance of technology, such as license plate readers, and community reporting in locating the suspect. At the same time, universities and research institutions are reassessing mental health support and preventive measures to mitigate future threats while maintaining an open academic environment.