🚨 Key Points:
- Two Massachusetts men have been charged after an explosion at Harvard Medical School.
- The suspects allegedly used a commercial firework inside a neuroscience research lab.
- Authorities say the act was intentional but caused no injuries or major damage.
Boston, MA — Federal authorities have arrested two Massachusetts men accused of causing an explosion at Harvard Medical School’s Goldenson Building early Saturday morning.
According to the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, face federal charges of conspiracy to damage property using fire or explosives. Both were taken into custody Tuesday morning and appeared in federal court later that day.
Investigators allege the two men set off a large commercial firework inside a locker on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building, home to Harvard’s Department of Neurobiology. The explosion, which occurred around 2:45 a.m. on November 1, triggered a fire alarm but caused no injuries or structural damage. Harvard officials confirmed that all laboratory equipment and research materials remained intact.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said during a press briefing that while the motive remains unclear, there is no ongoing threat to the university community. “Anxiety levels naturally rise when an intentional explosion occurs,” Foley stated. “However, based on the evidence, we do not believe there is any further danger.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks condemned the act, calling it “selfish, shortsighted, and a federal crime.”
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Surveillance Footage and Ongoing Investigation
Court documents reveal that Patterson and Cardoza were visiting the Wentworth Institute of Technology for Halloween festivities and were seen walking toward Harvard’s medical campus around 2:33 a.m., dressed in dark clothing and face coverings.Â
Surveillance footage reportedly captured them lighting Roman candle-style fireworks before scaling a fence and scaffolding to access the medical school’s roof. Moments later, the explosion occurred.
Investigators say the pair fled immediately afterward, with additional footage showing them discarding clothing and moving between nearby college campuses. The Boston Fire Department confirmed the blast was intentional, though no secondary devices were discovered during their sweep.
If convicted, both men face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case remains under investigation by the FBI, Harvard University Police, and several Massachusetts police departments.
As U.S. Attorney Foley emphasized, “Setting off an explosive device in an institution of higher learning is not a prank—it’s a serious federal offense.”