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Homeless "Informant" To Be Awarded For Heroism In Identifying Brown University Shooting Suspect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Youth Peace And Justice Foundation

(Formerly The Uvalde Foundation For Kids)

December 19, 2025

(National / Rhode Island)


Nonprofit, Formed After The Texas Mass Shooting, To Honor Homeless "Informant" For Heroism In Identifying Brown University Shooting Suspect

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Youth Peace And Justice Foundation—the national nonprofit organization formed in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas—announced today it will award its National Award for Heroism to the individual known as "John."


The recognition follows the identification of Claudio Manuel Neves Valente as the perpetrator of the December 2025 shooting at Brown University. Foundation officials noted that the "swift and selfless" actions of "John," a man experiencing homelessness, provided the breakthrough investigators needed to track the suspect.


"John," who had been seeking shelter in the basement of Brown’s Barus & Holley engineering building, encountered Neves Valente in a campus restroom hours before the incident. Disturbed by the suspect's behavior and attire, he later observed Neves Valente's rental car and successfully noted the license plate and Florida registration.


By sharing this information through a Reddit post and subsequent cooperation with federal investigators, "John" provided the critical lead that allowed authorities to identify the suspect. Neves Valente was later located in New Hampshire, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.


Daniel Chapin, founder of the national nonprofit, noted that this situation highlights the vital role citizens play in public safety and the urgent need for a shift in national strategy.


"Bravery and heroism can be found in the most unexpected places. In this instance, an individual from our most vulnerable community stepped up to protect a university campus. While we celebrate this heroism, we must move beyond temporary fixes. We are calling for a firm political commitment to implement proven violence intervention models nationwide. We don't need more empty funding; we need the political will to enact strategies that save lives."

— DANIEL CHAPIN, YOUTH PEACE AND JUSTICE FOUNDATION

The Foundation’s reward program celebrates individuals who choose action over apathy. "John" joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including:


* Tricia Asselin (Posthumous): A victim of the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting who was honored for her heroic efforts to save others during the tragedy.


* Abby Zwerner: The Newport News teacher recognized for her heroic efforts to protect her students after being shot in her classroom.


* Nashville Metro Police Department: Officers honored for their swift response to the Covenant School shooting

.

* Pittsburgh Bureau of Police: Recognized for thwarting a potential attack at University Preparatory School..

Recognition and Rewards

The Foundation’s release noted that "John" is reportedly eligible for a $50,000 reward from authorities for his assistance.


The Youth Peace And Justice Foundation will coordinate a separate recognition to honor his vigilance and contribution to the safety of the Providence community.

Youth Peace And Justice Foundation

(Formerly The Uvalde Foundation For Kids)

Charity ID: 88-3268749

Phone: 254-206-9089




 
 
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