The suspect who opened fire on a Brown University classroom was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit. The discovery came Thursday, according to Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez. Valente, 48, died by suicide. The unit is located in Salem, roughly 80 miles north of Providence. Authorities confirmed the storage unit was secured before the discovery.
The attack occurred Saturday in the first-floor classroom of the Barus & Holley building. A 9 mm handgun was used by the gunman. Final exams were underway when gunfire rang out. Students were forced into shelter‑in‑place. The gunman had already left the building before authorities arrived.
The suspect was Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a Portuguese national. He had last known address in Miami. Authorities obtained warrants to search a Salem storage unit. He was found dead inside the unit. The storage unit was searched under a warrant issued by the state.
Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston field office, confirmed the location. The storage unit was searched under warrants. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez reported the suicide. The investigation involves multiple agencies. The FBI’s Boston field office coordinated with local police throughout.
Valente attended Brown in the early 2000s as a Ph.D. student in physics. He withdrew from the program in 2003. Brown President Christina Paxson provided this information. He was also a Portuguese national. His research focused on quantum mechanics before he left the program.
A judge signed an arrest warrant Thursday accusing Valente of interstate murder. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said the warrant was issued. He stated the motive was unclear. He quoted, \”Why Brown? I think that is a mystery.\” He added, \”I don’t think we have any idea why now, or why Brown, why these students, why this classroom. That is really unknown to us.\” The warrant was signed by a judge in Rhode Island.
Neronha said a person who saw a photo of Valente reached out to authorities. The contact provided information that ‘blew this case right open.’ Police used the info to find a rental car. The car’s photos matched the clothing worn by the shooter. The photo evidence was shared with federal investigators.
Leah B. Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, reported Valente also killed MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro. The shooting at MIT occurred on Dec. 15. Valente allegedly shot Loureiro at his home. Docks noted Valente attended the same university in Portugal as Loureiro. The MIT shooting was investigated by the university’s security team.
The gunman entered the classroom through the Hope Street side. He fired multiple rounds into the room. Students were instructed to lock doors and silence phones. The campus went into a shelter‑in‑place warning. The building’s security cameras captured the incident.
The search lasted several days after the shooting. State police, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and the IRS were involved. Perez said there was no one who wanted to put the suspect in handcuffs more. The authorities called it an all‑hands‑on‑deck effort. The authorities emphasized the seriousness of the threat.
On Monday, police released new videos and images. The footage was recorded about two hours before the shooting. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information. The reward aims to help secure a conviction. The reward is offered to encourage tips.
A person of interest was detained Sunday. He was released after evidence did not support detention. Investigators determined the evidence was insufficient. The release occurred before further charges were filed. The decision was made by the police.
A 911 call about an active shooter came in at 4:05 p.m. Saturday. Students were told to lock doors and silence phones. An hourslong shelter‑in‑place warning took effect. The campus and surrounding community were affected. The alert was broadcast to nearby residents.
Ella Cook, 19, Birmingham, Alabama, was killed. She was vice president of the Brown College Republicans chapter. Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, from Uzbekistan, also died. His family said he had a bright future and dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon. The loss shocked the campus community.
Most of the wounded were left in critical condition. Emergency responders rushed them to hospitals. The medical teams are still treating the injured. The full extent of injuries remains unclear. The hospitals are monitoring patients closely.
Mayor Brett Smiley received support from other mayors. He said he had dozens of texts from other city leaders. They offered help and advice. Smiley noted this happens too frequently. The mayor thanked the officials.
The texts mentioned ‘I’ve been through this, we’re here for you.’ The messages encouraged calling for advice. Smiley emphasized the frequency of such events. He thanked the mayors for their solidarity. The community feels supported.
Nicole Acevedo contributed to the article. The piece includes statements from law enforcement. It also references the FBI and other agencies. The reporting is based on official statements. The article was written by Acevedo.
Local and federal law enforcement discussed how they found the suspect. They highlighted the use of photo evidence. They also mentioned the suspect’s clothing match. The discussion emphasized investigative techniques. The agencies praised the collaboration.
Key takeaways
- The suspect died by suicide in a New Hampshire storage unit.
- A $50,000 reward was offered for information.
- The shooting remains a tragic reminder of campus safety.
The campus is in mourning. Students and faculty are coping with the loss. The university is providing counseling services. Security measures have been increased. The community is healing slowly.
MIT mourns the loss of Professor Loureiro. The department is offering support to students. The university is reviewing safety protocols. Faculty members are reflecting on the tragedy. The campus is united in grief.
The arrest warrant remains active. Investigators are compiling evidence. The FBI is pursuing leads. Legal proceedings will continue. The case is under close scrutiny.
The events highlight the need for vigilance. Communities are rallying for safety. Law enforcement remains committed. The story continues to unfold. The public is urged to stay alert.
Valente’s death ended the immediate threat. The investigation continues to uncover details. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The community mourns and seeks healing. The case will be closed when justice is served.
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