Alumni-Led Memorial Event
A vigil was organized on Saturday by Zuhal Saljooki, a 2023 Brown University graduate, to remember those affected by the mass shooting that occurred at the Rhode Island campus on December 13.
The incident resulted in two student fatalities and nine injuries when a gunman opened fire.
Saljooki, who has connections to individuals acquainted with the deceased students, described experiencing profound sorrow following the tragedy.
"I personally wanted to be on campus, but the situation was so dire that I couldn't go safely to my alma mater. So, I wanted to create a community for grieving alumni and generally people who felt connected to the event and gun violence in general," Saljooki stated.
Community Gathering Details
The memorial took place at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Mount Washington Branch, featuring light refreshments along with poetic and prayerful readings.
Saljooki emphasized the deep impact on students, noting, "They are disturbed. They are terrified. Truly, the word terrorism is used for a reason. They've instilled terror in these young adults."
However, there was some relief when the suspected shooter was located.
Suspect Information
Claudio Neves Valente, 48, was found deceased in New Hampshire late Thursday. Authorities have connected him to additional violent incidents, including the shooting death of an MIT professor shortly after the Brown University attack.
