Suspect in Brown University Shooting Found Dead, Linked to MIT Tragedy

Post by : Mina Rahman

Authorities confirmed the death of Claudio Neves Valente, the individual responsible for the tragic shooting at Brown University last week, found dead in Salem, New Hampshire. Officials suggest that his death appears to be self-inflicted, concluding a six-day manhunt across multiple states.

Originally from Portugal, Valente entered the U.S. in 2017 via the diversity visa lottery, later securing permanent residency. Following the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a pause on the visa lottery program, raising concerns regarding public safety and its implications.

Valente is also linked to the death of Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno Loureiro, aged 47, who was fatally shot at his Brookline home shortly before the Brown shooting. The two were former students at the same Portuguese university in the late 1990s, and law enforcement established their connection through CCTV and eyewitness accounts. The suspect's vehicle was spotted near both locations, further solidifying the relationship between the two incidents.

The shooting at Brown University took place on December 13 during finals, resulting in the deaths of two students: 19-year-old Ella Cook from Alabama and 18-year-old Uzbek-American Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who had just begun his studies. Nine others were hurt when Valente opened fire in a crowded classroom. Notably, Valente was not enrolled or officially connected to Brown University at the time, according to university authorities.

Law enforcement retrieved two firearms and a bag from Valente at the site of his death. They also gathered evidence from a nearby vehicle linked to the shooting in Providence. While confirmations tie him to both incidents, a motive for the attacks remains undisclosed.

The incidents at Brown University and the murder of Professor Loureiro have intensified discussions surrounding the diversity visa lottery, which permits individuals from countries experiencing low immigration rates to apply for green cards through a random selection procedure. In light of these events, officials stressed the need for immigration policy reviews to ensure safety while still managing lawful entry processes.