The recent explosion at Harvard University has now been deemed “intentional.” Authorities say a device detonated early Saturday inside the Goldenson Building on Harvard’s Longwood medical campus, with two people seen fleeing the scene and surveillance photos released. Federal and campus investigators, including the FBI and the Harvard University Police Department, are involved and asking the public for help identifying the suspects. No injuries have been reported and the investigation is ongoing.
The blast happened early on a Saturday morning and lit up a medical research building on Harvard’s campus. Local fire investigators treated the event as deliberate after their initial on-scene examination. That finding pushed the case into a joint probe with federal, state and campus agencies coordinating evidence and leads.
A device exploded inside the Goldenson Building in Harvard’s Longwood medical campus early Saturday morning, according to a message from the Harvard University Police Department to University affiliates. The Boston Fire Department Arson Unit responded to the incident and determined the explosion to be intentional.
The explosion reportedly occurred in a specific section inside the Goldenson Building, putting researchers and students on alert across the quad. An officer responding shortly before 3 a.m. observed two people running from the structure and was unable to stop or positively identify them. That early sighting has been key to surveillance searches and the release of images asking the public to help identify the pair.
The explosion took place on an area of the fourth floor of Goldenson, a Harvard Medical School building on the school’s main quad. An officer who responded shortly before 3 a.m. observed two individuals fleeing the building, according to the email sent by HUPD spokesperson Steven G. Catalano this afternoon.
Authorities have released the photographs of the suspects.
Campus leaders and investigators confirmed there were no reported injuries from the explosion, a relief amid the immediate shock experienced by residents nearby. A student described the moment he felt the blast and the nervous aftermath. “Like I felt it in my body. Was really scared, my heart was racing and then I tried to fall asleep and then like five minutes later, I heard another bang.”
The two individuals seen leaving the building remain at large as investigators comb through footage and trace movement around the scene. Police say surveillance images show the suspects with their faces covered inside the building and the department has asked anyone with information to come forward. That outreach is intended to generate tips and narrow down travel paths or sightings after the detonation.
When the officer arrived to investigate, they saw two people running from the building. The officer tried to stop the two people, but was unable to identify them or prevent them from leaving. Police have since released surveillance photos that show two suspects with their faces covered inside the building. The public is being asked to help identify them.
The FBI has confirmed its role in the probe but has declined to provide further details while the investigation continues. “We’re assisting our partners at the Harvard University Police Department and we’re going to decline further comment at this time. We’ll refer to the Harvard University Police Department.” That statement reflects the usual coordination when local and federal teams work side by side on an ongoing criminal investigation.
Local police, the Boston Fire Department Arson Unit, the Harvard University Police Department, and federal partners continue to process the scene, review video, and follow up on leads. Officials have not announced any suspects or motives, and investigators warned against speculation while evidence is evaluated. Watchful neighbors and campus community members remain a part of how this case progresses as authorities seek reliable tips and footage.
