BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — A professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was fatally shot at his home near Boston, igniting a homicide investigation, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a 47-year-old physicist and fusion scientist, was shot Monday night at his Brookline residence. He died Tuesday at a local hospital, according to a statement from the Norfolk District Attorney's Office.
The DA's office reported that no suspects had been apprehended as of Tuesday afternoon, with the investigation still ongoing.
Loureiro, who began his tenure at MIT in 2016, was recently appointed to lead MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, focusing on advancing clean energy initiatives. The center is one of the institution's largest laboratories with over 250 staff members across seven facilities during his leadership.
Born in Viseu, Portugal, Loureiro pursued his studies in Lisbon before earning a doctorate in London. Prior to joining MIT, he was a researcher at the nuclear fusion institute back in Lisbon.
“He was a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague, and leader,” remarked Dennis Whyte, a fellow professor at MIT.
Sally Kornbluth, MIT's president, called Loureiro's death a “shocking loss.”
The homicide case emerges in the wake of violence in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, where police are still searching for the gunman involved in a recent shooting at Brown University.
A Boston University student living in proximity to Loureiro reported hearing loud noises, initially thought to be gunfire. Visiting students expressed their grief at Loureiro's apartment in memoriam.
Additionally, the U.S. ambassador to Portugal shared condolences, recognizing Loureiro's significant contributions to the scientific community. He had passionately stated that “MIT is where you go to find solutions to humanity’s biggest problems,” emphasizing the transformative potential of fusion energy.
