UPDATE: The Portuguese community in New England is in shock following the identification of Claudio Manuel Neves Valente as the suspect in the recent mass shooting at Brown University and the fatal shooting of MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro. The tragic events, which unfolded over the weekend, have left a profound sense of disbelief as the community grapples with the implications of these violent acts.
On Saturday, a gunman opened fire in a classroom at Brown, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. Just two days later, Professor Loureiro was fatally shot outside his building in Brookline, Massachusetts. Authorities confirmed that Neves Valente, aged 48, was found dead by suicide in a storage facility in New Hampshire after a six-day manhunt. Two firearms recovered at the site were linked to the shootings, according to a joint statement from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Local residents expressed their shock at the connection to their community. At Loja Portugal EP in East Providence, shoppers discussed the violence in hushed tones, with many struggling to reconcile the actions of Neves Valente with their understanding of Portuguese culture, which is characterized by peace and hospitality. “I’m very shocked at the situation,” said Jorge Morais, general manager of the Portuguese-language radio station WJFD 97.3 FM.
The impact of the shootings has reverberated throughout New England’s Portuguese community, which numbers around 371,000 across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. This demographic constitutes approximately 7 percent of Rhode Island’s population, and the Portuguese language ranks as the third-most spoken language in Massachusetts.
In Fall River, a hub for the Portuguese diaspora, locals expressed disbelief. Esabel De Sousa, who operates a Portuguese crafts shop, noted the global nature of violence, stating, “There’s good and bad all over the world.” Others, like Thalita Villela, emphasized that one individual’s actions do not define an entire community. “It’s about an individual’s mind,” she stated.
Politicians with Portuguese heritage have also condemned the violence. State Senator Jessica de la Cruz expressed her dismay, calling the shootings “unreal” and highlighting her community’s reputation for warmth and hospitality. State Representative Charlene Lima, reflecting on her father’s immigrant journey, lamented the disconnect between the perpetrator’s actions and the values of the Portuguese people.
The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers released a statement expressing heartbreak over the killings. “Violence has no place among us,” they declared, reaffirming the community’s commitment to compassion and integrity.
As investigators continue to seek answers regarding Neves Valente’s motivations—who briefly studied at Brown and had connections with Professor Loureiro—the Portuguese community remains on edge. The tragic incidents have shaken their sense of security, prompting deep reflection on the values that define their culture.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to come forward as they piece together the events leading up to these tragic occurrences. The community, now united in grief, is determined to reject any association with violence, emphasizing that such actions are not reflective of their collective identity.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
