Boston, MA — Local and federal authorities are investigating an explosion early Saturday morning at Harvard’s medical campus that is believed to have been intentional.
What Happened
Around 2:48 a.m. local time, a fire alarm at the Goldenson Building — part of Harvard Medical School’s Longwood campus in Boston — was triggered. An officer from the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) responded and reported spotting two individuals fleeing the building shortly thereafter.
Upon investigating the location, officials found evidence of an explosion on the fourth floor of the building. The Boston Fire Department’s Arson Unit assessed the scene and ruled the explosion as intentional. Authorities performed a sweep of the building and reported no additional explosive devices were found.
Impact & Response
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in relation to the incident. Portions of the building — especially the fourth floor where the blast occurred — were temporarily restricted to staff, and HUPD increased presence at the Longwood campus to boost security.
Several law-enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are assisting with the investigation. The names and identities of the two individuals fleeing the scene have not been released, but surveillance images showing them wearing face coverings have been made public. Authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify them.
What We Know & What We Don’t
Known:
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The explosion occurred early Saturday in the Goldenson Building at Harvard’s Longwood medical campus.
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It is being treated as an intentional act, not an accident.
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Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene and remain unidentified.
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No injuries, no additional devices found so far.
Unknown:
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The motive behind the explosion remains under investigation.
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Whether the device involved qualifies as a “bomb” or another kind of explosive has not been publicly clarified. Some sources say it was not a traditional bomb.
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Details about whether labs or research activities were impacted remain preliminary.
Significance
The fact that this incident occurred at a major medical-school research facility raises multiple concerns: safety of researchers and staff, continuity of scientific work, and the broader implications of intentional acts on academic campuses. By treating the event as deliberate, investigators are treating this not as an accident but as a potential criminal act.
What Comes Next
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The HUPD and partner agencies will continue to analyze forensic evidence (surveillance footage, device remnants, entry/exit logs) to identify and locate the suspects.
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Harvard University administrators will likely communicate further with affiliates about building access, safety protocols, and whether research operations are affected.
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The public is being asked to provide any information relevant to identifying the individuals seen fleeing—call 617-495-1796 (HUPD Detective Bureau).
Key Takeaway
An early-morning explosion at Harvard Medical School appears to have been purposefully set, with no injuries reported so far. As investigators scour evidence and seek suspects, the event underscores both the vulnerability of high-profile academic facilities and the importance of quick response and coordination across law-enforcement and university security teams.
