Boston, MA — Federal authorities have charged two Massachusetts men with setting off an explosive device inside a Harvard University medical building, describing the act as both deliberate and dangerous. The incident occurred early Saturday morning and caused damage to a laboratory but no injuries.
According to officials, 18-year-old Logan David Patterson, of Bourne, and 20-year-old Dominick Frank Cardoza, of Plymouth, were charged with conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or an explosive. If convicted, both men face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000.
Explosion Inside Harvard Laboratory
Around 2:33 a.m. on Saturday, surveillance footage captured Patterson and Cardoza wearing face coverings and walking near Harvard’s medical campus in Boston. Authorities say the men were seen lighting what appeared to be a Roman candle firework before later climbing scaffolding to access the roof of the Goldenson Building, which houses part of the Harvard Medical School laboratories.
Roughly ten minutes later, the firework detonated inside a laboratory locker on the building’s fourth floor, according to Leah Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. The building was empty at the time, and no injuries were reported.
“This explosive device had the potential to cause significant injury to anyone nearby,” said Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI in Boston. “Only by sheer luck and because of a rapid response by first responders, no lives were lost, no one was injured, and property damage was limited.”
An initial assessment by the Boston Fire Department determined the explosion “appeared to be intentional.”
Arrests and Investigation
A tip from the public helped investigators identify the suspects after Harvard police released security footage of the two individuals. University police, along with local, state, and federal authorities, coordinated to track down and arrest both Patterson and Cardoza.
According to NBC News, authorities allege that Cardoza later attempted to discard the pants he had been wearing during the explosion and that both men boasted about the act to friends in the following days.
“A tip from a vigilant community member and strong inter-agency coordination led to the swift identification and capture of the suspects,” U.S. Attorney Foley said at a news conference.
In a message to students and staff, Harvard University Police confirmed there is “no ongoing threat to public safety.”
Motive Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the explosion. The FBI, Boston Fire Department, and Harvard University Police continue to investigate the incident and review additional evidence.
Officials emphasized that even a small firework detonated in a confined space can cause serious harm.
“This was a reckless act that could have had devastating consequences,” Docks said, praising the quick response of emergency crews.
Community Response and Legal Outlook
The Harvard community has expressed relief that no one was injured but remains concerned about the intent behind the explosion. Law enforcement officials are warning that even seemingly minor explosive devices can trigger federal criminal charges.
Both suspects are currently being held pending court hearings, and it remains unclear whether they have obtained legal representation. Their next court appearances are scheduled in U.S. District Court in Boston.
What are your thoughts on this alarming case and how universities can strengthen campus security? Share your views in the comments below.
