Nuno Loureiro, a 47-year-old MIT professor, was shot and killed at his home on Gibbs Street on Monday night, according to Brookline police and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
Police responded to reports of shots fired at 9 Gibbs Street at around 8:30 p.m. and emergency responders took a person to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, according to Brookline police Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell.
The department was notified on Tuesday morning that the victim died, Campbell said.
Police have not yet said whether there are any suspects, or described the circumstances of the shooting. Brookline police detectives are investigating along with Massachusetts State Police and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
“This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. No further information is being released at this time,” said the DA’s office in a statement.
A Portuguese physicist, Loureiro is the director of Plasma Science and Fusion Center at MIT. Portugal’s foreign minister announced his death at a meeting of parliament on Tuesday, according to CNN Portugal.
Loureiro is listed as the owner of a unit in the apartment building at 9 Gibbs Street, according to county records.
Gibbs Street is located north of Coolidge Corner between Harvard Street and Commonwealth Avenue, about a quarter mile away from the Florida Ruffin Ridley School.
Sara Yuen, the principal at the Ridley School, told parents in an email Tuesday morning that a police officer will be at the school for opening, recess and dismissal on Tuesday. A police officer was also stationed at Brookline High School.
Kimberly Allen, executive director of media relations at MIT, confirmed Loureiro’s passing.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his family, students, colleagues, and all those who are grieving,” Allen said in a statement. “Focused outreach and conversations are taking place within our community to offer care and support for those who knew Prof. Loureiro, and a message will be shared with our wider community.”
As a theoretical physicist and fusion scientist, Loureiro researched plasma behavior and fusion science. He is credited with “advancing the understanding of multiple aspects of plasma behavior,” according to MIT’s website.
In January, Loureiro was one of nearly 400 scientists and engineers to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from former president Joe Biden.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
Vivi Smilgius contributed reporting.
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