Crime
Logan David Patterson and Dominick Frank Cardoza Arrested in Connection with Explosion at Harvard Medical School
BOSTON, MA — Federal authorities have arrested two Massachusetts men in connection with an explosion that occurred over the weekend at Harvard Medical School’s Goldenson Building.
According to officials, Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, were taken into custody on Tuesday morning. Both men have been charged with conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or an explosive and were scheduled to be arraigned in federal court later in the day.
The incident took place early Saturday morning inside the Goldenson Building, located on the Harvard Medical School campus in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. The facility houses research laboratories and offices for the school’s Department of Neurobiology. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the blast.
At a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley addressed public concerns following the revelation that the explosion was intentionally caused.
“Anxiety levels naturally rise when the public learns that an explosion was intentionally caused. I would say those levels may rise even higher in the Boston area,” Foley said. “However, based on current findings, there is no ongoing threat to Harvard University or the surrounding community.”
According to the criminal complaint, surveillance footage and witness statements linked Patterson and Cardoza to the scene. The pair had reportedly been in Boston for Halloween festivities, including events at nearby colleges such as Wentworth Institute of Technology.
On the day of the explosion, surveillance video captured the suspects walking toward the Harvard Medical School complex. Witnesses told investigators that the men selected the Goldenson Building because it “appeared abandoned” and gained access through the roof.
The charging documents allege that the suspects ignited a roman candle outside the facility before placing a cherry bomb inside a locker on the fourth floor. The device later detonated, triggering a fire alarm and prompting a response from university and city police.
“Let me be clear,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Office. “Setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution dedicated to education and research is not a prank — it’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s a federal crime.”
Neither Foley nor Docks commented on a possible motive, citing the ongoing investigation.
Harvard Medical School officials reported that the blast caused no structural damage, and all laboratory equipment and research materials remained intact. The Boston Fire Department confirmed that the explosion was intentional, and a thorough search of the building revealed no additional explosive devices.
University police stated that an officer responding to the fire alarm observed two individuals fleeing the building shortly after the explosion occurred — a detail that later contributed to identifying the suspects.
Federal investigators, including members of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), continue to examine the case. Additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of forensic and investigative reviews.
Crime
1 Killed, 1 Injured After Shooting at MGM National Harbor
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino, leaving one man dead and another injured. Prince George’s County Police confirmed the fatality in a statement released on social media.
According to investigators, two adult men were struck by gunfire during the incident.
One victim was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
The second victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury after a bullet grazed him and was treated at the scene or a nearby medical facility.
Police stated that the suspect fled the location immediately after the shooting and remains at large.
At this time, officials have not released information regarding what led up to the incident. However, investigators emphasized that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims or provided a suspect description.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Prince George’s County Police as the search for the shooter continues.
