Police have made progress in the investigation surrounding the tragic mass shooting that occurred last weekend at Brown University, where two students lost their lives and at least eight others were injured. Authorities have identified a suspect and are now exploring a possible connection to a separate but related incident—the murder of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, who was fatally shot two days later in Brookline, Massachusetts. A source familiar with the investigation, who spoke anonymously, has not disclosed the identity of the suspect or detailed the basis of the potential link.
On Thursday evening, law enforcement, including SWAT teams, conducted operations at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire, situated about 20 miles north of Boston. This activity was part of the ongoing investigation into the Brown University shooting.
In an emotional statement, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed the community’s concerns, saying residents and students are “restless and eager” for an arrest following the violent act that has left many anxious.
Professor Nuno Loureiro, 47, was a respected faculty member at MIT, involved in the departments of nuclear science, engineering, and physics, as well as the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. His murder in Brookline, approximately 50 miles from Brown’s campus, has raised alarms given the timing relative to the shooting at Brown.
Initially, there was no believed connection between the two incidents according to an FBI official, but the ongoing investigation may prompt a reexamination of that assessment.
Back in Providence, investigators reported that the suspect in the Brown University shooting fled on foot into the streets. Lacking surveillance coverage in the immediate vicinity of the classroom building, police are utilizing residential security footage to aid in tracking down the suspect. They have released images and video of a masked individual they believe to be the shooter, appealing to the public for assistance in identification. The footage captured the individual both before and after the shooting took place.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez expressed concern over the uncertainty regarding the suspect’s whereabouts, stating, “He could be anywhere.” The challenge of identifying the suspect and discern his motive remains significant at this point in the investigation. Authorities are also seeking information from another unidentified individual seen near the crime scene, hoping they may provide valuable witness insight.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, a person was taken into custody but was later released after police determined he had no connection to the crime. The ongoing manhunt highlights the community’s urgent need for information, as officials work diligently to bring justice for the victims and restore a sense of safety on campus and in the broader community. As the investigation continues, there is hope that a swift resolution may ultimately lead to healing for those affected by these devastating events.