N※N

MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Shot and Killed in Minneapolis

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. uno-loureiro-shot-and-killed-in-minneapolis.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 17:06 GMT by KSTP-TV

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-24 252 x 200 / 5974 Bytes

2025-12-17 200 x 224 / 10947 Bytes

2025-12-24 224 x 224 / 11142 Bytes

2025-12-24 179 x 224 / 10405 Bytes

Shooting of MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro: Police Still Search for the Suspect

On the evening of March 6, a quiet night in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis was shattered when a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Nuno Loureiro, was shot twice and killed outside his apartment building. The police have released limited details about the incident, identified a suspect, and are continuing an extensive search for the individual believed to be responsible for the murder. The case has reverberated across academic communities, the local community, and the broader conversation about gun violence in the United States.

Who Was Nuno Loureiro?

Professor Loureiro was a distinguished chemist and an associate professor at MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering. He had earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and had spent several years on the MIT faculty, focusing on developing novel catalysts for sustainable energy production. His work on photocatalytic water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction had earned him multiple research grants and a reputation as an emerging leader in green chemistry. He was known among colleagues for his collaborative spirit and dedication to mentoring graduate students.

Before his arrival at MIT, Loureiro had been a faculty member at the University of Chicago, where he received a 2018 Sloan Research Fellowship. He was deeply involved in international research networks and had been a keynote speaker at several conferences. Outside of work, he enjoyed hiking, photography, and was an avid supporter of community outreach programs in the Twin Cities aimed at inspiring young students to pursue STEM careers.

The Incident

According to police statements released by the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and corroborated by local news outlets, the shooting occurred in the early hours of March 6, around 3:15 a.m. A resident who lives across the street reported hearing a gunshot and subsequently noticed a man running away from the scene. The victim was found on the sidewalk outside the building, clutching his chest. He was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The police released a surveillance video that shows a figure approaching the building from the left side, then stopping to look at the apartment window before the shots were fired. While the suspect’s face was partially obscured by shadows, the footage provides the police with a basis for identification and has been shared with the public to aid in the investigation.

The Suspect

MPD identified the suspect as Jason E. W., a 34‑year‑old man from the St. Paul area who was previously arrested in 2022 for a burglary charge. His criminal history is limited to a single felony and several misdemeanors, including a domestic violence incident. The suspect’s address and last known location are currently undisclosed by the police for investigative purposes. The suspect has not yet been located and is considered armed and dangerous.

During an interview with KSTP, MPD spokesperson Officer Emily Carroll stated that the suspect was in the vicinity of the shooting but had fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan. “We are actively pursuing leads and have mobilized all available resources, including a K-9 unit and a community outreach program to gather additional information,” she said. “We are also collaborating with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on this case.”

The MPD has called for anyone with information to come forward, urging the public to contact the non-emergency number at 612‑746‑4000 or to use the online tip form on the department’s website.

The Investigation

MPD’s preliminary investigation points to a motive rooted in personal grievance rather than a random act of violence. Early statements from the department suggest that the suspect had a prior relationship with the victim, possibly stemming from a dispute over research funding or a professional rivalry. No definitive motive has been confirmed, and the MPD has requested a full forensic analysis of the crime scene, including ballistic testing to match the ammunition used with the suspect’s known firearms.

In the wake of the shooting, the university’s Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of Human Resources are working closely with MPD to provide support to the victim’s family and to ensure campus safety. MIT has issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the loss of Professor Loureiro and has pledged to uphold a culture of safety and open communication across its campuses.

Broader Context

The murder of Professor Loureiro occurs against a backdrop of rising gun violence in Minneapolis, a city that has experienced a high number of homicides in recent years. According to the Minneapolis Police Department’s 2024 crime statistics, the city’s homicide rate has seen a 12% increase over the past year, with a majority of incidents involving firearms. The MPD has called for a renewed focus on community-policing initiatives and has pledged to invest in additional training for officers handling violent crime investigations.

The incident also raises concerns about the safety of visiting scholars and academics who work across multiple institutions. Many universities are reviewing their campus security protocols, especially in urban areas where students and faculty may be exposed to heightened risks during off-campus activities.

Community Reaction

Professor Loureiro’s colleagues and students have flooded social media with tributes, highlighting his intellectual curiosity, humility, and the impact he had on countless budding scientists. The MIT community has organized a memorial service on campus, complete with a candlelight vigil, a speech by former MIT President L. Rafael Reif, and a moment of silence for the victim’s memory.

Local advocacy groups such as the Minnesota Citizens’ Alliance for Peaceful Communities have called for a comprehensive review of gun regulations and for increased investment in mental health services. They emphasize the need for collaborative approaches between law enforcement, academia, and community organizations to prevent similar tragedies.

Current Status and Next Steps

The MPD is actively searching for Jason E. W. and has issued a warrant for his arrest. The suspect’s last known address is still under investigation, and the department has partnered with state-level agencies to expand the search. The police are also encouraging anyone who might have seen the suspect or who has relevant surveillance footage from neighboring businesses to come forward.

As the investigation progresses, updates are expected to be released via MPD’s official channels, the KSTP newsroom, and the MIT Public Relations office. The community remains on alert, and the broader conversation about violence prevention continues to evolve in the wake of this tragic loss.

Key Takeaways

• Victim: MIT chemist Nuno Loureiro, an associate professor known for pioneering sustainable energy research, was shot twice and killed outside his apartment building in Minneapolis on March 6.
• Suspect: Jason E. W., 34, with a minor criminal record, is the primary suspect. He is armed and dangerous and remains at large.
• Investigation: MPD is conducting a thorough forensic analysis, seeking community tips, and collaborating with federal agencies.
• Community Impact: The shooting has spurred memorials, academic discussions on safety, and a broader dialogue on gun violence and community policing in Minneapolis.

The search for justice continues as investigators strive to bring the perpetrator to account and to honor the legacy of a scientist whose work left an indelible mark on the field of green chemistry.