Prof. Nuno F.G. Loureiro, the 47-year-old director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot multiple times Monday evening around 8:30 p.m. at his home on Gibbs Street in Brookline, Massachusetts, and died Tuesday at Beth Israel Hospital, authorities confirmed.
Brookline police found Loureiro critically wounded in the foyer of his home, with no signs of forced entry. Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey has described the case as an active homicide investigation, adding that no suspects or motive have been released.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
Law enforcement officials have said they are examining all possible avenues in the investigation. Surveillance footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed, and investigators have not publicly identified any threats made against Loureiro prior to the attack.
Authorities have also stated that the killing is not linked to the Brown University shooting, ruling out speculation of coordinated attacks.
Israeli Intelligence Tips and Iran Speculation
Israeli intelligence sources are reviewing recent tips suggesting possible Iranian involvement, according to reports cited by Jerusalem Post and Maariv. The speculation centers on Loureiro’s pro-Israel comments and his work in fusion-related plasma research, which some view as strategically sensitive amid heightened Israel–Iran tensions.
Theories intensified after investor Bill Ackman briefly posted — and later deleted — a message questioning whether Iran could be involved. However, US and Israeli officials have emphasized that there is no verified evidence, no arrests, and no confirmation of foreign state involvement.
Iranian media have highlighted Loureiro’s academic ties to international nuclear-adjacent research, fueling online speculation, though officials caution that no intelligence has substantiated these claims.
Nuno Loureiro’s Research and Global Profile
Loureiro joined MIT in 2016 after academic work in Portugal and at Imperial College London. Since May, he had led MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, one of the university’s largest labs, overseeing 250 researchers, students, and staff.
His research focused on plasma turbulence, solar flares, magnetic confinement, and fusion energy as a potential climate solution. Colleagues praised his leadership in clean-energy science and described him as deeply committed to academic collaboration.
In a 2017 interview, Loureiro spoke of MIT’s unique research ecosystem, calling it transformative. Neighbors described him as a family man living in a quiet, safe area, and reported hearing “three loud bangs” the night of the shooting.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Caution
Portuguese officials have expressed condolences and acknowledged Loureiro’s international scientific contributions. Meanwhile, investigators continue to canvass the area and analyze evidence.
Officials on both sides of the Atlantic have urged restraint, warning that state-sponsored assassinations inside the US are rare and that speculation without facts risks misinformation. No links to Iran’s IRGC, criminal syndicates, or political motives have been established.
