Breaking News: Two Individuals Arrested in Connection with Harvard Medical School Explosion!
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, authorities announced a significant development in the investigation of an explosion at Harvard Medical School. Two men are now facing federal criminal charges. The incident, which occurred last week, has sent ripples through the academic community.
The FBI's Boston office revealed the arrests via social media early Tuesday morning, preceding a press conference led by Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. The explosion took place shortly before 3 a.m. on a Saturday, specifically on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building. This building is home to HMS lab and office spaces. Responding HUPD officers reported seeing two individuals fleeing the scene, prompting the department to release surveillance footage images.
The Accused:
Identified as 18-year-old Logan D. Patterson from Bourne and 20-year-old Dominick F. Cardoza from Plymouth, the two were apprehended Tuesday morning. According to Attorney Foley, they are allegedly implicated in the explosion. The details suggest a Roman candle firework was detonated on the fourth floor, inside a research laboratory locker belonging to HMS’s Department of Neurobiology.
Motive and Investigation:
Attorney Foley refrained from speculating on the motive behind the explosion, stating it was "just too early for us right now to speculate." The investigation is ongoing, and further details are currently unavailable, beyond the criminal complaints filed on Tuesday. Questions regarding the source of the firework and any statements made by the suspects remain unanswered.
"There’s no doubt that these men allegedly did, in conspiring to commit the deliberate and extremely dangerous act, could have resulted in casualties had the Goldenson building been occupied at that time,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks.
The Charges:
Patterson and Cardoza are facing federal charges of conspiracy to damage, using fire or an explosive, an institution receiving federal financial assistance. An affidavit filed by FBI special agent Erin O’Brien details their activities on Halloween night. The two men attended Halloween parties at Wentworth Institute of Technology, near HMS. Witnesses reported that they later attempted to find parties at Tufts University or MIT before returning to Longwood. One witness even reported seeing a video of the HMS explosion the following morning.
Public Assistance and Building Status:
Authorities were able to make the arrests thanks to public assistance in identifying the suspects from released surveillance images. The suspects allegedly discarded "distinctive items of clothing" after fleeing the building. The Boston Fire Department’s Arson Unit determined the explosion was intentional but found no additional explosives. Despite the incident, the building, including the fourth floor, was open to affiliates on Monday.
An email from HMS Dean George Q. Daley ’82 and Executive Dean for Administration Lisa M. Muto to affiliates confirmed that a small section of the fourth-floor hallway was affected, but there was no structural damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. HUPD interim chief Denis G. Downing also attended the press conference but did not take questions.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think the motive will be revealed soon? Share your opinions in the comments below!
