Why some people turn their struggles into violence against strangers
Brown University, MIT, Florida, Portugal, Providence
Cambridge
Miami
Entroncamento
Lisbon, Portugal
USAFri May 01 2026
A once-brilliant physics student with a complicated past carried out a shooting spree targeting two places tied to his biggest disappointments. The FBI found that his violent actions were rooted in years of feeling overlooked, failing to meet his own expectations, and blaming others for his struggles. Years before the attack, he had failed to get into an elite U. S. graduate program, left another without finishing, and later moved back to Portugal where he became increasingly isolated. His parents tried to reach out, but he cut off contact entirely.
The guns used in the shootings were bought legally, years apart, in Florida pawn shops. This shows how easy it is for people with harmful intentions to obtain weapons even if they have a history of mental health issues. Before the attacks, he recorded videos expressing no regret and blaming others for his own choices. His behavior suggests deep-seated anger and a refusal to take responsibility for his life’s direction.
He was known as gifted early on, representing Portugal in an international physics competition at 17. Yet over time, his personality became more difficult—classmates and coworkers described him as sharp but confrontational, someone who struggled to accept criticism. He once said Brown’s coursework was too easy, yet he never managed to thrive in top academic programs. His inability to meet his own high standards may have fueled his growing resentment.
After returning to Portugal, he worked in tech but remained emotionally distant. A coworker recalled being uneasy around him, saying he feared one day Neves Valente might bring a gun to work. His parents grew desperate, even asking police to check on him when he refused to speak to them. Still, he chose to disappear, selling his home and cutting ties without explanation.
In 2017, he moved to the U. S. again through a visa lottery, working briefly as a rideshare driver. By 2022, he began planning the attack, purchasing the weapons legally. Investigators believe his long-term isolation, paranoia, and feeling of failure pushed him toward violence. They also noted that mental health alone does not explain such extreme actions—only he knew the full truth behind why he chose these targets.
