BOSTON (AP) — In a shocking incident, two men from Massachusetts were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a weekend explosion at Harvard Medical School. The suspects, identified as Logan David Patterson, 18, from Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, from Bourne, are facing serious charges of conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or an explosive, as stated in the charging documents.
The arrest occurred on Tuesday morning, and both men are scheduled to be arraigned in federal court later that day. The explosion took place early Saturday on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building at Harvard Medical School, which is home to various labs and offices associated with the school’s neurobiology department. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley addressed the media during a news conference, expressing the heightened anxiety levels that arise in the public when learning about an intentionally caused explosion. "I would say those levels may rise even higher in the Boston area," Foley stated, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing, but assured the public that there is no continuing threat to the university.
According to the charging documents, eyewitness accounts revealed that the two men had been visiting Wentworth College for Halloween activities, which included attending parties at nearby schools. Surveillance footage captured them walking toward Harvard Medical School on the day of the blast.
Witnesses indicated that Patterson and Cardoza specifically targeted the Goldenson Building because it appeared abandoned. They accessed the building through the roof, where they proceeded to light a roman candle outside before placing a cherry bomb inside a locker within the premises. This act ultimately led to the explosion.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks made a strong statement regarding the incident, saying, "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. It’s selfish, it’s short-sighted, and it’s a federal crime." Neither Docks nor Foley provided any insights into the suspects' motives.
In terms of structural damage, officials from Harvard Medical School reported that the explosion did not cause any harm to the building, and all labs and equipment remained intact. The Boston Fire Department confirmed that the explosion was indeed intentional. Following the incident, police conducted a thorough sweep of the building but found no additional explosive devices.
Interestingly, an officer responding to a fire alarm that morning reported encountering two individuals fleeing the scene of the incident, as noted by university police.
The incident at Harvard Medical School serves as a stark reminder of the serious implications and dangers associated with the use of explosive devices. As investigations continue, the community remains on alert, reflecting on the importance of safety and security within educational institutions.
