Brown Shooter, Epstein Files, Trump Speaks at Kennedy Center: NPR

In a shocking turn of events, a shooting incident at Brown University has left two students dead and nine others injured. The alleged shooter, 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was later discovered deceased in a storage unit in New Hampshire.

Details Surrounding the Brown University Shooting

Authorities report that Valente is also a suspect in the earlier murder of MIT physics professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro in his home. Despite these grave circumstances, investigators have not yet established a motive for either shooting.

• Date of the Brown University incident: December 16, 2025.
• Location: Barus and Holley building, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
• Victims: Two students dead, nine injured.

Valente’s Background

Valente attended Brown University as a graduate student in physics in 2000 but dropped out after one year. He re-entered the U.S. in 2017. Notably, he was reportedly a former classmate of the MIT professor he later killed.

A witness saw Valente in a Brown University bathroom and pursued him to his vehicle after the encounter. This witness later posted observations on Reddit, allowing police to track the vehicle involved.

Political Reactions and Changes

The implications of this tragedy on political discourse are yet to unfold. Questions arise regarding the university’s response and law enforcement’s actions in the aftermath of the shootings.

In a related political development, President Trump suspended the green card lottery program that had allowed Valente to enter the United States.

Release of Epstein Files

On the same day as the shooting, the Justice Department is expected to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This release follows Trump’s recent directive for the attorney general to disclose information about individuals linked to Epstein’s crimes.

• Expected content of the release: Information related to at least 20 individuals accused of sexual misconduct.
• Congressional reaction: Congress is not in session, potentially delaying responses to the release.

Name Change at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced a significant name change. The board unanimously voted to add Trump’s name to the center, now referred to as the “Trump Kennedy Center.”

• Announcement: The decision was shared on social media by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
• Controversy: Critics argue that dissenting opinions were suppressed and that congressional approval is necessary for the name change.

Trump, having previously ignored the center, now aims to influence its direction, having appointed loyalists to its board.