Nationwide — Nuno Loureiro, a 47-year-old professor at MIT, was shot and killed at his Brookline, Massachusetts home Monday night. The nuclear science and engineering expert was rushed to a Boston hospital but died Tuesday morning.
According to CBS News, Brookline police responded around 8:30 p.m. to reports of gunshots on Gibbs Street. Officers found Loureiro inside his apartment, shot multiple times. No suspect has been named, and no arrests have been made. Authorities described the case as an active homicide investigation.
Neighbors described hearing loud bangs that evening. One said he initially thought it was a door being kicked in. Another longtime resident said the noise was unmistakably gunshots and expressed shock at the sudden tragedy, noting Loureiro had a young family in the area.
The community held a candlelight vigil Tuesday night on Gibbs Street to support the grieving family. Friends described the loss as “raw horror” and said Loureiro was a kind, quiet person who made a positive impression on those around him.
Loureiro joined MIT in 2016 and became director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center last May. He led research on plasma physics, solar flares, and clean fusion energy. MIT issued a statement offering condolences and support to his family, students, and colleagues.
Although the shooting occurred miles from campus, MIT students said the news added to a week already marked by violence, including a recent deadly incident at Brown University. Authorities say there is no known connection between the two events.
Police continue to investigate while maintaining a visible presence in the neighborhood. Officials ask the public for patience as the case remains active and information is limited.