Explosion at Harvard Medical School Was ‘Intentional,’ Officials Say

What happened

• Early in the morning of Saturday, November 1, 2025, a fire alarm was triggered in the Goldenson Building (on the Longwood Medical Area campus of Harvard) and a university police officer encountered two people fleeing the building. CBS News+3WBUR+3Boston.com+3

• The Boston Fire Department (BFD) determined that the explosion was intentional. CBS News+2WBUR+2

• The blast occurred on the 4th floor hallway of the building. WBUR+2Wikipedia+2

• Fortunately, no one was injured, and there was no major structural damage reported; labs and equipment remained intact. WBUR+2PBS+2

• Law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are assisting (the local FBI Boston office). PBS+1

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👮 Investigation & suspects

• Surveillance / university police released grainy images of two individuals wearing face-coverings and sweatshirts seen leaving the building area. Boston.com+1

• On November 4, 2025, two men — Logan David Patterson (18) and Dominick Frank Cardoza (20) — from Massachusetts were arrested and charged, allegedly for using a commercial firework to cause the blast. Reuters+1

• They face federal charges of conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or explosive. People.com+1

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📋 Additional details & context

• The explosion reportedly involved a large commercial firework placed inside a locker in the building. People.com

• The motive is still under investigation; authorities treat this as a serious incident, not merely a prank. People.com+1

• The building reopened soon after once it was cleared safe. WBUR+1

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✅ Why this matters

• An intentional explosion in a research university setting raises serious safety, security, and regulatory concerns for labs, staff, and students.

• Even though no one was hurt, the potential for risk is high in such facilities given the presence of research equipment, sensitive materials, and many people.

• The involvement of the FBI signals how institutions may be vulnerable to acts beyond simple vandalism and how federal authorities can step in.