Brown University Gunman Planned Attack for Months, Videos Show

Investigators say a gunman who fatally shot two students at Brown University before killing a professor in another state meticulously planned the attack for months and showed no remorse, according to newly released details from confessional style videos he recorded before the shootings.

Transcripts released by authorities reveal that Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48, described spending “six semesters” preparing for the attack in Providence, where Brown University is based. The videos, recorded shortly before the violence on 13 December, were found by investigators during the early stages of the inquiry and are now being used to reconstruct his motives and timeline.

In the recordings, Valente allegedly spoke in a calm and deliberate manner, outlining how he selected targets and planned logistics over an extended period. Officials said the language used in the clips suggested premeditation rather than a spontaneous act, with references to careful observation and preparation that stretched across several years.

Authorities said Valente expressed no regret for his actions in the videos. Investigators described his tone as detached, with repeated statements indicating he believed the attack was justified. Law enforcement officials stressed that the release of transcript details was intended to clarify the nature of the threat and counter speculation that the shootings were impulsive or driven by a sudden emotional crisis.

The attack began on Brown University’s campus, where two students were shot and killed, sending shockwaves through the university community and prompting an immediate lockdown. Campus police and local law enforcement responded within minutes, but Valente had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived.

Hours later, authorities say Valente travelled to another state, where he fatally shot a university professor before being confronted by police. The incident ended when Valente was killed, though officials have not released full details about the final encounter.

Brown University officials said the institution remains focused on supporting students, staff and families affected by the tragedy. Counselling services were expanded in the days following the attack, and vigils were held on campus to honour the victims. University leaders described the loss as devastating and said the revelations about long term planning have deepened the community’s grief.

Law enforcement agencies across multiple states worked together to piece together Valente’s movements and background. Investigators are examining how he was able to plan the attack for so long without detection, including whether warning signs were missed or whether information sharing gaps existed.

Security experts say the case highlights the challenge of identifying individuals who engage in prolonged planning while remaining outwardly inconspicuous. Unlike attacks preceded by public threats or online manifestos, officials said Valente appears to have kept his intentions largely private, documenting them only in recordings discovered after the fact.

Authorities have emphasised that there is no evidence of an ongoing threat linked to the case. They also urged the public to avoid sharing graphic details or unverified claims, noting that misinformation can further traumatise affected communities.

The investigation remains active, with officials continuing to review digital evidence, personal records and communications to better understand Valente’s motivations. Prosecutors said the findings will be used to inform future prevention strategies and improve coordination between universities and law enforcement.

As the Brown University community continues to mourn, the disclosure of the videos has renewed debate about campus safety, mental health support and early intervention. Officials said lessons from the case will be carefully studied in an effort to prevent similar tragedies in the future.