A leading nuclear fusion researcher from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was shot and killed outside his Boston-area home Monday evening, sparking fears of a targeted assassination by foreign operatives.
Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was fatally wounded at approximately 8:30 p.m. outside his residence on Gibbs Street in Brookline.
The married father of three was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Israeli officials have indicated that Iranian operatives may have targeted the prominent physicist, according to reports from the Jerusalem Post. However, no U.S. law enforcement or investigative agencies have confirmed this theory at this time.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has classified the case as an active homicide investigation.
Authorities have not made any arrests, and the shooter remains at large.
Officials have declined to release additional details about the ongoing probe, per media reports.
The Daily Mail reported that Loureiro served as director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, an institution employing more than 250 full-time researchers.
He assumed the leadership position last year following a distinguished academic career that included degrees from Imperial College London and Princeton University.
The professor specialized in nuclear science, engineering, and physics.
He had previously expressed support for Israel, a nation considered a primary adversary by Iran.
His research focused on developing advanced energy technologies and nuclear fusion systems.
His death occurred just two days after a separate shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, which left two students dead.
The FBI has stated there is no connection between the two incidents, but both shooters remain unidentified and at large.
Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program have intensified dramatically this year.
Israel has accused Iran of covertly expanding its nuclear capabilities in violation of international agreements. In August, President Trump authorized military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Loureiro’s neighbor, Louise Cohen, discovered the professor’s body after hearing gunshots that evening.
Cohen had been lighting a menorah candle when the shots rang out.
She rushed into the hallway and found Loureiro lying on his back.
The professor’s wife and another neighbor were present in the entryway.
Emergency services were immediately contacted.
Cohen, who uses a walking stick, described Loureiro’s family as exceptionally helpful neighbors who frequently assisted her with groceries.
“I can’t sleep now,” Cohen told the Boston Globe. “This family is so amazing. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to kill him. Should we be afraid now?”
Another resident, Anne Greenwald, organized a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening and called on community members to honor Loureiro’s memory.
She expressed concern about rising violence affecting the traditionally peaceful neighborhood.
“There is too much violence going on,” Greenwald said. “This is obviously very close to home.”
MIT President Sally Kornbluth released a statement acknowledging the tragedy, according to the Daily Mail.
She described Loureiro as a lauded theoretical physicist and fusion scientist who leaves behind devoted students, friends and colleagues.
“This shocking loss for our community comes in a period of disturbing violence in many other places,” Kornbluth stated. “It’s entirely natural to feel the need for comfort and support.”
Loureiro began his academic journey at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal, where he earned a physics degree.
He obtained his doctorate from Imperial College London in 2005 before beginning postdoctoral work at Princeton later that year.
