Boston, MA — Two Massachusetts men have been arrested and charged in connection with a weekend explosion at Harvard Medical School, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, are both charged with conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive, according to the criminal complaint.
Explosion at Harvard Medical School
The explosion occurred early Saturday morning on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building, which houses labs and offices for Harvard’s neurobiology department. Fortunately, no one was injured, and there was no significant structural damage reported.
Authorities say the pair entered the building through the roof and placed an explosive device inside a locker, where it detonated. The Boston Fire Department confirmed the blast was intentional, and a sweep of the area found no additional explosive devices.
“Anxiety levels naturally rise when the public learns that an explosion was intentionally caused,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley at a press briefing. “I would say those levels may rise even higher in the Boston area.”
According to AP News, surveillance footage captured the two suspects walking toward Harvard Medical School shortly before the explosion.
Surveillance Footage and Witness Accounts
Witnesses told investigators that the men had been visiting Wentworth College for Halloween activities and later made their way to Harvard’s campus. The suspects reportedly selected the Goldenson Building because it “looked abandoned.”
“The charging documents describe how the pair lit a roman candle outside the building and placed a cherry bomb inside a locker, which then exploded,” authorities said.
The explosion triggered a fire alarm, prompting a police response. One responding officer reported seeing two individuals fleeing from the building around the time of the blast.
Federal Response and Investigation
At a press conference, Ted Docks, the FBI’s special agent in charge, condemned the act, calling it dangerous and criminal.
“Let me be clear: Setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution geared toward higher education is not some harmless college prank,” Docks said. “It’s selfish, it’s short-sighted, and it’s a federal crime.”
Officials have not disclosed a motive, and both Foley and Docks said the investigation remains ongoing. However, they emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to Harvard University or the surrounding community.
“We want to reassure the public that this was an isolated event and that there is no continuing danger to students or staff,” Foley added.
Court Proceedings and Campus Reaction
Patterson and Cardoza were arrested Tuesday morning and were expected to be arraigned in federal court later in the day. Both face potential prison sentences under federal explosives statutes.
Harvard Medical School officials released a statement confirming that all labs and research materials remained unharmed and that operations resumed normally after the incident.
Students and faculty expressed concern but relief that the explosion did not cause injuries. Campus security has been increased temporarily while federal agents continue their review of surveillance and evidence.
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