Suspected Brown and MIT professor shooter showed signs of anger, former friend says

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 -The man suspected in the fatal shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor showed signs of persistent anger and frustration long before the attacks, according to a former friend. 

Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, identified by authorities as the alleged shooter, was described as socially awkward and frequently unhappy during his time as a graduate student. A former acquaintance recalled that Valente often complained about his academic experience and life in the United States, expressing irritation over issues others considered minor.

Former classmates say Valente was highly intelligent but struggled emotionally, with his frustration sometimes escalating into visible anger. Peers remembered moments when his behavior caused concern, including tense interactions that required intervention from others. 

While some described him as capable of kindness, they also noted a pattern of resentment and difficulty coping with setbacks, which stood out during his years in academia.

The alleged violence earlier this month left multiple victims dead and triggered a large, multi-day manhunt that ended with Valente found dead in New Hampshire. In the aftermath, officials have intensified discussions around campus safety and violence prevention, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attacks. 

As more details emerge, accounts from those who knew the suspect are drawing attention to potential warning signs and broader questions about how such risks are identified and addressed.