The FBI’s Boston Field Office has arrested two men in Massachusetts in connection with an explosion at Harvard Medical School on Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred in the Goldenson Building on Longwood Avenue, was reported to have no casualties. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with the Harvard University Police Department, is examining the matter, with authorities indicating the explosion appeared to, as per the Boston Fire Department Arson Unit, to be intentional. More details are expected to be revealed at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Harvard officials, a HUPD officer was dispatched to the scene for a fire alarm activation and witnessed two masked suspects fleeing from the building after the blast went off in a small section of the fourth-floor hallway. The officer attempted to stop the pair before proceeding to the fourth floor, where the explosion was found to have occurred. Surveillance photos of the two suspects, wearing masks and head coverings, have been released by HUPD, who are currently maintaining an increased presence on the Longwood campus as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The university has stated that the section where the explosion happened has since been cleared and is fully operational. Officials added that the building did not sustain any structural damage, and all labs and equipment remained intact. The Boston Fire Department Arson Unit initially assessed the explosion as appearing to be intentional, with the belief that a single device was involved.
HUPD on Saturday released surveillance photos of the two suspects, who were seen fleeing the building at the time of the blast, as part of the ongoing investigation. As the FBI continues to gather information, officials have emphasized the importance of public cooperation and the need for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The FBI’s collaboration with local law enforcement underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the multi-agency approach to addressing potential threats to public safety.
It is anticipated that further details regarding the motive, identity, and background of the suspects will be disclosed during the upcoming news conference. Until then, the university and local authorities are working together to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. The incident has prompted a heightened sense of awareness and has led to increased security measures on the Longwood campus. This is a significant event for the academic and medical community at Harvard, and ongoing updates are expected in the coming days.