Former Brown University Grad Student Identified as Suspect in Fatal Shootings at Brown and MIT, Found Dead in New Hampshire
Salem, N.H. — A former Brown University graduate student suspected of carrying out shootings at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead Thursday night from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire.[1]
Authorities confirmed the suspect’s identity and death during a late-night news conference, bringing a swift end to a manhunt that gripped the academic communities of Providence, Rhode Island, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.[1][2]
Timeline of the Incidents
The violence unfolded earlier Thursday in separate but connected incidents. Investigators believe the suspect first targeted individuals at Brown University, where shots were fired on campus, prompting lockdowns and widespread panic among students and faculty.[2]
Hours later, the suspect allegedly murdered a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), escalating the situation into a cross-state pursuit.[2] Details on the victims at Brown remain limited, with officials withholding names pending family notifications. The MIT professor’s identity has not been publicly released as of late Thursday.[1][2]
The suspect, identified as a former graduate student at Brown University, was tracked to the storage facility in Salem after a multi-agency investigation involving local police, state authorities, and federal partners.[1]
Police Response and Manhunt
Following the Brown University shooting, Providence police issued alerts and urged the public to avoid the area. Brown University activated its emergency protocols, sheltering students in place while officers swept the campus.[2]
The MIT incident prompted an immediate response from Cambridge authorities, who linked it to the earlier Brown event through ballistic evidence and witness descriptions. A statewide alert was issued, describing the suspect’s vehicle and providing his photo to aid in the search.[1]
By evening, tips from the public led investigators to the Salem storage unit, where they discovered the suspect deceased inside from an apparent suicide. No further threat to the public was reported.[1]
“The suspect was found dead at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” authorities stated at the news conference.[1]
Background on the Suspect
The suspect’s history as a former Brown graduate student has raised questions about potential motives tied to academic grievances. Sources close to the investigation suggest he may have harbored resentment toward faculty or the institution, though no official motive has been confirmed.[2]
Details about his time at Brown, including the program he was enrolled in and when he left the university, have not been disclosed. MIT officials have not commented on any prior connections between the suspect and the slain professor.[1][2]
Impact on Campuses
Both universities expressed profound grief in initial statements. Brown President Christina Paxson described the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy,” emphasizing support services for the community. Classes were canceled Friday, with counseling available on campus.[2]
MIT Chancellor Sally Kornbluth called the professor’s death “an unimaginable loss,” noting the victim’s contributions to research in an unspecified field. The institute bolstered security measures and offered grief resources.[1]
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains active, with forensics teams processing the crime scenes at Brown and MIT, as well as the Salem storage facility. Authorities are examining the suspect’s vehicle, electronic devices, and storage contents for evidence of planning or accomplices.[1]
Ballistics are being analyzed to confirm the weapon used in all incidents matches the one found with the suspect. Interviews with former classmates and professors are underway to piece together a timeline of the suspect’s activities leading up to the shootings.[2]
Community Reactions
Students at both schools shared their fears on social media, recounting tense hours hiding in dorms and lecture halls. “We heard sirens everywhere and didn’t know if it was safe,” one Brown student posted anonymously.[2]
Local leaders, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, praised law enforcement’s rapid response. McKee stated, “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and the entire academic community.”[1]
The incidents have reignited debates on campus safety, mental health resources for graduate students, and the need for threat assessment teams at universities. Experts note a rise in targeted violence against academics in recent years.[2]
Broader Context
This tragedy occurs amid heightened concerns over gun violence on college campuses. According to recent data, U.S. universities reported over 100 active shooter incidents since 2000, though fatalities remain rare.[2]
Former students turning violent against their alma maters is an uncommon but documented pattern, often linked to perceived academic failures or personal disputes. Investigations into similar cases, such as the 2015 University of California, Merced stabbings, revealed manifestos detailing grudges.[1]
Next Steps
Autopsies and full forensic reports are expected within days. Brown and MIT plan memorial services once investigations conclude. The FBI has offered assistance, citing the interstate nature of the crimes.[1][2]
As the community mourns, officials urge vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity. “We will learn from this and work to prevent future tragedies,” Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said.[2]
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as new information emerges.