AG says tipster on Brown University shooting suspect ‘blew this case right open’

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND: After authorities confirmed that 48-year-old Claudio Valente, the suspect in the Brown University shooting, was found dead in New Hampshire, officials held a press conference.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said investigators pieced together threads of information to track the Brown University shooter over the weekend.

A tip from a member of the public, who was seen near the shooter, Neronha revealed, “blew this case right open.”

“That person led us to the car, which led us to the name, which led us to the photographs of that individual renting the car,” Neronha explained. “[The photos] matched the clothing of our shooter here in Providence that matched the satchel that we see here in Providence.”

Questions remain unanswered in Brown University shooting

Although authorities found the suspect in the Brown University mass shooting dead tonight, many questions about the incident and his motive remain.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha called the reason Brown University was targeted “a mystery” during a news conference.

“I don’t think we have any idea why now or why? Why Brown? Why these students? Why this classroom? That is really unknown to us and it may become clear,” he said. “I hope that it does, but it hasn’t as of right now.”

Neronha added, “We are 100% confident that this is our target and that this case is closed from a perspective of pursuing people involved.”

Police interviewed man seen near Brown University shooting suspect

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said investigators later found and interviewed the man who appeared on surveillance video near the shooter.

Perez said during a press conference, "I'll tell you, there was a person that was very cooperative and helpful to this investigation. He was a great individual that actually assisted us in getting us to this point where we are at."

For context, on Wednesday, December 17, police said they wanted to speak with the man who interacted with the suspect and released photos of him.

He later contacted authorities, and sources said his interview has helped law enforcement better understand how the shooting unfolded. His name has not been released.

AG says man who helped investigators deserves credit

Peter Neronha praised the man, calling him an exceptionally strong and credible witness. “He was incredibly articulate,” Neronha said. “His testimony, had we needed it, would not only have been credible — it would have been persuasive. He was as outstanding a witness as I have seen. He deserves a lot of credit."

Authorities said the man encountered suspect Claudio Valente inside a bathroom at the Barus & Holley Engineering Building, where Valente later shot and killed two students. Investigators said the witness quickly recognized the danger once he realized a gunman was at large.

“Recognizing there is a gunman on the loose, the gunman knows he had this interaction with him, Once he knew we were looking for his help, he came forward within an hour.” Neronha said.

He added that the man’s swift decision to contact law enforcement played a key role in advancing the investigation and helping authorities identify the suspect. “That person deserves a tremendous amount of credit,” Neronha said.