Professor Nuno Loureiro

Dear members of the MIT community,  

Last night, we all learned that authorities deemed a single suspect responsible for both the killing of Professor Nuno Loureiro and the recent mass shooting at Brown University, and that the suspect is himself now dead.   

We’re grateful for everyone, including the MIT Police, involved in the investigation that resolved the primary mystery of these terrible crimes. And we’re relieved that the threat of further harm from this individual is over, for our community and for our friends at Brown. While the facts reported last night settled some important questions, they of course raise others that may never be properly answered.   

Like many of you, I imagine, I woke up this morning thinking of Nuno’s family, friends, colleagues and students all grieving his loss, here and around the world.   

For now, I hope we can all seek meaning and comfort in finding ways to support one another, and especially those who were closest to Nuno. We are working with his family to see how we can be useful. Colleagues are also leading efforts to help. And I know that dozens of people across our community have been working to support the students, faculty and staff most affected – thank you all. You make me very proud to be part of MIT.  

With the holidays upon us, I’d like to give you all some extra time to spend with the people you love – so this year, the Institute will also include Tuesday and Wednesday of next week in our customary Winter Break. Vice President for Human Resources Ramona Allen will send a note to employees very shortly with the full details.  

Sending warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season –  

Sally Kornbluth
President