An explosion that authorities believe to be “intentional” occurred early Saturday morning at a Harvard University medical building, prompting a swift investigation. The incident took place around 2:48 a.m. at the Goldenson building, where responding officers observed two individuals fleeing shortly after a fire alarm was triggered.
Upon arrival, officers noted signs of an explosion on the fourth floor, leading the arson team to preliminarily conclude that the blast appeared to be deliberate. Fortunately, no injuries were reported following the incident, and a search conducted by the Boston police for any additional devices yielded no further threats.
The first officer on the scene attempted to apprehend the fleeing individuals before proceeding to investigate the alarm’s cause. Details regarding the suspects, the specifics of the explosion, or the extent of the damage have yet to be disclosed.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tension at Harvard, where students and staff have been under scrutiny due to ongoing discussions between university officials and the White House. These talks center on potentially significant funding agreements aimed at restoring federal support for the institution while addressing legal challenges involving the administration.
The FBI has joined local authorities in the investigation, with their Boston Division’s spokesperson Kristen Setera confirming their assistance to university police. The Harvard University Police Department has stated that they are actively collaborating with local, state, and federal officials as the investigation continues.
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide further updates. This incident highlights the unique challenges faced by educational institutions, particularly during times of national conversation regarding the future of higher education.