An early morning explosion rocked a Harvard Medical School building in Boston on Saturday, the school’s police department confirmed. As reported by The New York Times, authorities described the incident as an “intentional act.” The blast occurred around 2:48 am at the Goldenson building on the university’s Longwood Medical Campus.
The FBI’s Boston Field Office has joined local police in investigating the case. FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera said the probe remains “very active.”
Explosion at Harvard Medical School; two seen fleeing
According to Harvard University Police, an officer responding to a fire alarm at the Goldenson building spotted two individuals fleeing the area just moments after the blast. The officer tried to stop them but they managed to get away before he entered the building to inspect the source of the alarm on the fourth floor. Boston Fire Department’s arson unit later determined that the blast “appeared to be intentional.”
No injuries were reported, but police confirmed that parts of the building were damaged in the explosion.
“The FBI is on the scene and we’re assisting our partners at the Harvard University Police Department with what is a very active investigation,” Boston FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera told USA Today.
Authorities have not shared details about what kind of device was used. Sources told The New York Post that while it was an explosive device, it was not a bomb in the traditional sense.
Description of suspect released
Harvard released surveillance images of the two suspects later in the afternoon, urging the public’s help in identifying them.
Harvard University Police hoping the public can help them indentify these 2 in connection with the explosion overnight inside a Harvard Medical School building…Source says FBI’s evidence response team and bomb techs were on scene for hours today #7News pic.twitter.com/td6Rgknxmz
— Steve Cooper (@scooperon7) November 1, 2025
According to the NYT, one individual was seen wearing khaki pants, grey Crocs, and a brown hooded sweatshirt with the letters “NYC” on it. The other wore dark plaid pyjama pants and a dark hoodie. Both had light-colored ski masks covering their faces. Authorities urged anyone with information about the individuals to contact law enforcement immediately.
The Goldenson building, built in 1906, is known for operating Harvard’s Neurology Department. It’s not clear if anyone was inside at the time of the blast. The Boston Fire Department hasn’t commented further, but confirmed there’s no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident comes at a time when Harvard University has been facing political pressure. The Trump administration recently cut some federal funding after the university resisted adopting certain conservative policy demands and refused to share student admissions data.
