Boston’s Harvard Medical School Explosion Leads to Two Arrests
In Boston, Massachusetts, a serious incident unfolded on the campus of Harvard Medical School (HMS) over the weekend, leading to the arrest of two young men: Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne. Both were taken into custody by federal authorities and charged with conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or an explosive. They were scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston for arraignment on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The explosion occurred early Saturday morning inside the Goldenson Building, located in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston. The facility houses research laboratories and offices for the Department of Neurobiology. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported, though investigators confirmed that the blast was intentional.
Authorities say surveillance footage shows Patterson and Cardoza walking toward the Harvard campus around 2:23 a.m., both wearing dark clothing and face coverings. They were later seen lighting what appeared to be Roman-candle fireworks outside the Goldenson Building. At approximately 2:33 a.m., they reportedly climbed a chain-link fence and scaled scaffolding that led them to the roof of the building.
Moments later, around 2:45 a.m., a fire alarm sounded on the fourth floor after a blast occurred. Investigators determined the explosion originated from a wooden locker in one of the research laboratories. The device, believed to have been improvised, caused minimal property damage and did not ignite a larger fire. Surveillance cameras later captured both individuals running from the building through a first-floor emergency exit.
Cardoza was then seen on nearby cameras sitting on a bench, removing his pants, and discarding them into a trash bin around 2:57 a.m. Patterson appeared on footage at the Wentworth Institute of Technology campus roughly ten minutes later, attempting to enter a dormitory before plugging in his phone at a front desk area. Shortly after, the two men met with a third individual, whom authorities are still investigating.
Federal prosecutors allege that both suspects had attended Halloween-related parties in the area before the explosion. According to the complaint, the two believed the Goldenson Building was abandoned and entered through the scaffolding. However, the deliberate act of using an explosive device on private institutional property quickly escalated the case to a federal investigation.
Each defendant faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 if convicted.
At a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley reassured the public:
“Anxiety levels naturally rise when the public learns that an explosion was intentionally caused. However, based on current findings, there is no ongoing threat to Harvard University or the surrounding community.”
FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks added:
“Setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution geared toward higher education is not some harmless prank. It’s selfish, it’s shortsighted, and it’s a federal crime.”
Following the explosion, Harvard Medical School confirmed that the affected fourth-floor area has been inspected and reopened, with increased campus patrols as a precaution. No additional explosive devices were discovered, and the surrounding area has been declared safe.
Community members and students helped identify the two suspects after security images were released, leading to their swift arrest. Investigators believe the pair may have spoken about the incident afterward, which further aided in linking them to the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining the motive behind the explosion and whether others may have been involved. While officials emphasize that there is no continuing threat to the public, the incident has raised serious discussions about campus safety and the potential consequences of reckless actions involving explosives.
Patterson and Cardoza will continue to face proceedings in federal court, marking a significant case that demonstrates how even seemingly small acts of destruction can carry grave legal and social consequences.