Tragic Shooting at Brown University Linked to Former Student

Sat Dec 20 2025 09:05:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Claudio Neves Valente, a former physics student at Brown University, returned to the campus with tragic intent, resulting in an attack that left two students dead and sparked a nationwide manhunt.

Claudio Neves Valente, a former Brown University student, returned to the campus in December 2023, where he opened fire in a lecture hall, killing two students and injuring nine. His actions led to a chase across states, culminating in the murder of an MIT professor. Investigators pieced together his movements from surveillance footage and tips from community members.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Just before Thanksgiving, Claudio Neves Valente checked into a hotel in Boston and made his way to Brown University, his alma mater. Over the next few weeks, the 48-year-old Portuguese national repeatedly returned to the Rhode Island campus. It was during one of these visits, on December 13, that he unleashed a tragic attack, opening fire in a lecture hall and killing two students.

Authorities noted Valente’s unusual presence on campus during a time when many students were away for holiday break. He was spotted wandering the campus in a gray Nissan rental, raising suspicions amongst custodial staff. Concern grew when he returned with a 9 mm handgun, resulting in chaos that left nine others injured.

After fleeing the scene of the shooting, Valente traveled to Massachusetts, where he fatally shot Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a professor at MIT who had studied alongside him decades prior. The tragic connection between the two men raised alarms about Valente’s intentions and mental state leading up to the shootings.

Authorities worked tirelessly to investigate the attack, releasing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying Valente, who concealed his identity with a mask and beanie. Police Chief Oscar Perez expressed frustration at the lack of information, wishing the video could provide clearer answers.

As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that Neves Valente had frequently visited the Brown University campus prior to the attack. He had been spotted by surveillance cameras and was seen by a custodian behaving suspiciously. Local community members also contributed crucial tips, allowing police to track Valente’s movements through a network of street cameras in Providence.

Investigators later linked Valente’s shooting at Brown to his attack on Loureiro, particularly after recognizing common patterns and the time frame of events. The days following the tragic incidents saw an overwhelming response from law enforcement, with increased surveillance and widespread alerts to the public.

Tragically, on the same day Loureiro died, Valente took his own life in New Hampshire, leaving many in the community searching for answers. Witnesses who survived the shooting at Brown University expressed horror at the sight of Valente and his actions, confirming their memories of the events vividly.

The heartbreaking series of events serves as a reminder of the deep impact of violence and the need for ongoing discussions regarding mental health and community safety.