Explosion at Harvard University medical campus determined to be 'intentional'

Flint McColgan, Boston Herald on Nov 1, 2025

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BOSTON — Authorities say that an explosion early Saturday morning at Harvard University’s Boston medical campus was intentional.

“The Harvard University Police Department is actively investigating this incident in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” Harvard spokesman Steven Catalano said.

Harvard University Police Department sent an officer to the Goldenson building at 220 Longwood Ave. in Boston to check on a fire alarm there that triggered just before 2:50 a.m. Saturday, according to a university statement. Upon arrival, the officer saw two people fleeing the building and tried unsuccessfully to stop them.

Once inside the building, the responding officer found that there had been an explosion somewhere on the fourth floor of the building. There were no injuries, according to a Harvard spokesperson.

The Harvard PD called in the Boston Fire Department’s arson unit, which determined that the explosion appeared to be intentional. The Boston Police Department swept the building but did not find any other explosive devices, according to Harvard.

The Boston PD and the FBI both confirmed to the Herald that they are assisting the Harvard PD in the investigation but each agency deferred all comments to Harvard.

The university asks anyone with information on the explosion to contact Harvard PD detectives at 617-495-1796.