BOSTON — Authorities are investigating an early-morning explosion inside a Harvard Medical School facility on Saturday, an incident police are describing as intentional. No injuries were reported, but officials say the suspects seen fleeing the scene are still at large.
The explosion occurred at approximately 2:48 a.m. inside the Goldenson Building on the Harvard Medical School campus after a fire alarm was triggered, according to Harvard University Police Department spokesman Steven G. Catalano. When the first responding officer arrived, two individuals were spotted running from the building. The officer attempted to detain them before moving inside to assess the situation.
Surveillance stills released by the university show both individuals wearing light-colored ski masks. One suspect was dressed in khaki pants, gray Crocs, and a brown hoodie with what appeared to be “NYC” printed on the front. The second wore dark plaid pajama pants and a dark hooded sweatshirt. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
The Boston Fire Department’s arson unit later determined that the blast had been deliberately set. A full sweep of the building by Boston police did not reveal additional explosive devices. The FBI’s Boston Field Office confirmed that federal agents are assisting and described the investigation as “very active.”
The extent of structural damage has not been publicly detailed. The Goldenson Building, originally constructed in 1906, appears to house portions of the school’s Neurobiology Department. In an internal email obtained by The New York Times, faculty members were advised to avoid campus unless necessary. The message noted that the building remains open except for the fourth floor, where the explosion occurred.
The incident comes at a time when Harvard has faced heightened public and federal scrutiny. In recent weeks, the Trump administration reduced funding after the university reportedly declined to adopt more conservative policies related to campus gender regulations, transparency on admissions data, and modifications to its code of conduct. Officials have not indicated whether there is any connection between that dispute and Saturday’s explosion.
As of Saturday evening, no arrests have been made. Local and federal authorities continue to review surveillance footage, canvass the surrounding area, and seek tips from the public.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harvard University Police Department or the Boston Fire arson tip line.