Key Takeaways
• The suspect was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit late Thursday.
• A massive manhunt chased the shooting suspect after attacks at Brown and MIT.
• Police used a license plate reader to locate a car tied to the suspect.
• Authorities linked the suspect to the killing of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro.
A manhunt has ended with grim news. The shooting suspect who attacked students at Brown University and killed an MIT professor was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire. Officials discovered his body late Thursday night after a license plate reader flagged a car tied to him.
Background of the Brown University and MIT Attacks
It all began last Saturday when gunfire erupted near Brown University’s campus. Two students lost their lives. Nine more were wounded. Shock rippled through the campus. Then, days later, officials connected the shooting suspect to another killing. MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, 47, was found dead. He taught engineering and physics. Both attacks left the community in fear.
Soon, law officers launched a wide search. They treated the cases as linked. Moreover, they warned the public to stay vigilant. Over the next few days, thousands of tips poured in. However, leads remained scarce. Communities around Providence and Boston held vigils. Families and friends prayed for answers.
How the Shooting Suspect Was Found
Early Thursday, a license plate reader in Salem flagged a white car. Authorities had linked that car to the shooting suspect’s last known location. Within minutes, patrol cars swarmed the area. Search teams sealed off the road. Meanwhile, a special unit scoured a nearby storage lot.
Inside one unit, officers made the grim discovery. The suspect lay dead, alone. He appeared to have taken his own life. However, investigators are still working to confirm the cause. They have not yet released his name. In addition, they are checking the vehicle and the storage unit for evidence.
Tracking the Shooting Suspect Through License Plates
Police credits modern technology for the breakthrough. License plate readers scan thousands of tags every hour. When the suspect’s plate passed by, the system alerted officers. In no time, they traced the car’s route. From there, they deduced his likely hideout.
Moreover, investigators analyzed security camera footage. They matched the car’s make and color to images from Brown’s campus and from MIT’s area. Next, they shared those details with local and state police. As a result, the hunt sharpened its focus on Salem.
In addition, authorities followed phone records and credit card activity. All clues pointed to the storage facility. By Thursday evening, they were ready to move in. With caution, they cleared the unit and confirmed the suspect’s death.
Reactions from Brown and MIT Communities
Students and faculty greeted the news with relief and sadness. At Brown, a candlelight vigil formed soon after the discovery. Many held photos of the two students who died. Tears mixed with applause for the officers who ended the search.
MIT’s campus also gathered. Colleagues remembered Professor Loureiro as a brilliant teacher. They spoke of his kindness and passion for science. Some read poems he loved. Others shared stories of lab sessions filled with laughter.
Leaders at both schools pledged to boost safety. They will review security cameras and upgrade lighting. In addition, counselors remain on hand for anyone who needs support. Both campuses plan community meetings next week.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Although the manhunt has ended, questions remain. Investigators must confirm exactly what happened in the storage unit. They will look for fingerprints, digital records, and any notes left behind. Furthermore, they hope to learn the motive behind the attacks.
Law enforcement agencies from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire continue to coordinate. They want a full timeline of the suspect’s movements. Meanwhile, federal agents will audit the use of technology in the case. They aim to improve responses for future emergencies.
In addition, university leaders are examining training for active shooter scenarios. They plan more drills for students and staff. Emergency alerts will be tested again in the coming weeks. Thus, campuses hope to strengthen their readiness.
What We Still Don’t Know
Many details remain private. Officials have not disclosed the suspect’s identity. Nor have they shared the exact cause of death. Investigators say they will withhold names until family members are notified.
As of now, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Law officers are also looking for any possible accomplices. So far, no additional suspects have emerged. Yet, the case is far from closed.
Final Thoughts
After a tense week, the search for the shooting suspect has ended. Communities in Providence, Boston, and Salem are now focused on healing. Above all, students and faculty want to feel safe again. Universities promise to learn from this tragedy. They will work to prevent such violence in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led police to the storage unit in Salem?
Officers used a license plate reader to spot a car linked to the shooting suspect. Then they tracked its last moves to a local facility.
Has the suspect’s identity been released?
Not yet. Officials say they will share his name after notifying any close family members.
Are there more suspects in custody?
No. Authorities have not named other suspects. They continue to seek any helpful information.
What measures are the universities taking now?
Both Brown and MIT are reviewing security systems. They plan drills, improved lighting, and more counselor support.