12/20/2025
Statement on Brown University and MIT Tragedies
We grieve the tragic loss of Brown University students Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook in Rhode Island, as well as the senseless killing of Dr. Nuno Loureiro—a gifted Portuguese scientist, a deeply cherished professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a source of immense pride for our community. These lives, stolen far too early by unimaginable violence, weigh heavily on us all.
PALCUS extends its thoughts and prayers to those whose lives were tragically lost, and offers its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and all who were touched by their lives and souls. We stand in solidarity with everyone mourning these profound and heartbreaking losses.
We are devastated that these tragedies have occurred in regions where Portuguese-American communities are deeply rooted and have long been recognized as an integral part of the cultural tapestry that strengthens and enriches the American melting pot. These communities are built on shared values of hard work, mutual respect, and care for one another, making these losses especially painful.
It is deeply distressing to know that this pain and suffering resulted from acts of violence committed by a Portuguese national and legal permanent resident of the United States. As a national community, we neither identify with nor condone these unjustifiable actions. Violence of any kind has no place in any community.
These acts, which have shaken our community nationwide to its core, in no way reflect the principles, values, or moral character of the Portuguese-American community. We remain united in rejecting violence and reaffirming our commitment to peace, compassion, and unity during this time of sorrow.