Israeli officials are investigating the killing of Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, according to a Jerusalem Post report.
Loureiro was shot inside his Brookline, Massachusetts, home on Monday and pronounced dead on Tuesday at a local hospital. Police are still searching for the suspect as part of the homicide investigation.
Loureiro, who was originally from Portugal, taught at MIT as a professor of physics and of nuclear science and engineering. He also directed the university’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center.
According to the Jerusalem Post report, Israeli officials are investigating a reported possible connection between the shooting and Iran. The report says Israel’s investigation is taking place “against the backdrop of Loureiro’s sensitive field of research.”
“This is an assessment that has not yet been verified and is not supported at this stage by official findings from the investigative authorities in the United States,” the report reads.
The FBI declined to comment on the report.
A professor of engineering at MIT, Dennis Whyte, who also previously served as the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, told MIT News that Loureiro was a “brilliant” scientist and person.
“He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague, and leader, and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner. His loss is immeasurable to our community at the PSFC, NSE, and MIT, and around the entire fusion and plasma research world,” Whyte said.
In statements on Wednesday, local officials advised following updates from the Brookline Police Department and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, as it is an open homicide investigation.
“This remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we are limited in the information we can share at this time and ask for the community’s understanding and patience. While we investigate this incident, we will have dedicated patrol cars, officers, and unmarked units in the Gibbs Street neighborhood,” Brookline Police Chief Jennifer Paster said.
Brookline Select Board Chairman Bernard Greene also asked the community to remain patient during the investigation.
MIT PROFESSOR KILLED IN SHOOTING AT MASSACHUSETTS HOME, POLICE SAY NO SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
“We understand that, in the absence of concrete information, rumors and fear can spread among community members,” Greene said in a statement. “We also understand your frustration with what we can say at the present time, but respectfully ask that law enforcement be given the space it needs to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice, and that the victim’s loved ones be given privacy and shelter from rumors or misinformation.”
The shooting occurred days after a gunman opened fire at Brown University, killing two students. Authorities were also still searching for the gunman from the Brown University mass shooting, but said there is no evidence to suggest the incidents are related.
