Additional Coverage:
- ‘Intentional’ explosion at Harvard Medical School, two people seen running from the building (the-independent.com)
Explosion Rocks Harvard Medical School Building; Investigation Underway
An “intentional” explosion occurred at a Harvard Medical School building early Saturday, prompting a swift response from authorities and the activation of a fire alarm. Two individuals were seen fleeing the Goldenson building, located within Harvard’s Longwood medical campus, according to police.
The incident, which took place just before 3 a.m. Saturday, resulted in no reported injuries. An officer responding to the scene observed two people leaving the building shortly after the fire alarm was triggered, as confirmed by the Harvard University Police Department.
The Boston Fire Department Arson Unit has determined the explosion was intentional, and the FBI is now assisting university police at the scene, according to reports from The Harvard Crimson. A thorough sweep of the building found no additional explosive devices.
Police have released grainy images of two individuals wearing face coverings and what appeared to be sweatshirts, though no further information on potential suspects has been made public.
This incident adds to a challenging year for the prestigious institution, which has been engaged in various legal battles. Despite these challenges, Harvard was recently recognized as one of the top three universities in the country.
The university, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., has faced a high-stakes clash over its tax-exempt status, federal research funding, foreign student enrollment, and intellectual property. In September, a federal judge blocked an attempt to freeze over $2 billion in Harvard’s research grants, deeming the action illegal.