Timeline and Initial Response
2:452:48 a.m. ET: A fire alarm activated in the Goldenson Building, a facility used for neuroscience and medical research. An HUPD officer arrived and observed two individuals fleeing the scene on foot. The officer noted signs of an explosion shortly after.
Immediate Actions: The building was evacuated as a precaution. Boston Fire Department's arson unit, along with state and federal agencies, secured the site. A controlled search confirmed no additional devices or immediate threats.
3:00 a.m. onward: The FBI joined the investigation, classifying it as a potential domestic terrorism incident pending further evidence. The site was handed over to forensic teams for analysis.
Investigation Details
Suspects: Witnesses (including the responding officer) described two peoplelikely the perpetratorsexiting the building immediately after the alarm. No arrests have been made as of the latest updates, and descriptions remain limited to "two individuals" seen fleeing. Surveillance footage from the area is under review.
Device and Motive: The explosion is believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) or chemical accelerant, though exact details are withheld to avoid compromising the probe. Authorities have not publicly speculated on a motive, but the timingamid heightened national tensions over higher education funding and campus politicshas fueled online speculation (e.g., links to anti-Harvard sentiment).
Harvard officials emphasized cooperation with law enforcement and urged anyone with information to contact HUPD's detective bureau at (617) 495-1796.
Broader Context: This incident follows a pattern of threats against Harvard, including hoax bomb scares in 2023 and multiple threats in early 2024, often tied to extortion or ideological disputes. However, this appears to be the first confirmed explosive device on campus in decades.
The investigation remains active, with updates expected as forensic results emerge. Harvard has resumed limited operations on the medical campus but increased security measures campus-wide.
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