Federal authorities have arrested and charged two men in connection with an explosion that occurred last week at Harvard Medical School. The incident, which involved a firework detonated inside a research building, resulted in no injuries but has led to serious federal charges for the individuals allegedly involved.
Logan D. Patterson, 18, of Bourne, and Dominick F. Cardoza, 20, of Plymouth, were taken into custody Tuesday morning. They face federal criminal charges related to the deliberate and dangerous act, which authorities say could have caused casualties if the building had been occupied at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Two men, Logan D. Patterson, 18, and Dominick F. Cardoza, 20, face federal criminal charges.
- They are accused of setting off a Roman candle firework inside a Harvard Medical School research lab.
- The explosion occurred late Friday night on the fourth floor of the Goldenson building.
- No injuries were reported, and the building sustained only minor, non-structural damage.
- Suspects were identified through surveillance images and tips from the public.
Federal Charges Announced Following Arrests
Authorities announced the arrests during a press conference on Tuesday morning. Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley confirmed that Patterson and Cardoza were apprehended for their alleged roles in the explosion. The charges stem from an incident that took place late Friday night inside the Goldenson building, which houses the university's Department of Neurobiology.
According to the official complaint, the two men allegedly detonated a Roman candle firework inside a research laboratory locker on the fourth floor. The act was deemed intentional by investigators from the Boston Fire Department's Arson Unit over the weekend.
During the press conference, Foley emphasized the seriousness of the event. The investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to gather information. "This investigation is ongoing," Foley stated, declining to speculate on a possible motive for the explosion.
An Ongoing Investigation
Officials have not yet released details about a potential motive, stating it is too early to speculate. The focus of the continuing investigation will likely be to understand the circumstances that led the two individuals to the medical school campus and their reasons for detonating the firework.
How the Suspects Were Identified
The breakthrough in the case came after law enforcement released surveillance images to the public on Saturday. Foley credited members of the public with providing crucial information that led to the identification of Patterson and Cardoza. This community assistance was vital in allowing investigators to quickly move forward with the arrests.
An affidavit filed with the criminal complaints provides further insight into the events following the explosion. It states that the suspects fled the building shortly after the incident and discarded "distinctive items of clothing" in an attempt to evade identification.
Witness statements also played a significant role. According to the affidavit, one witness reported that Patterson and Cardoza had shown him a video of the explosion on the morning after it occurred. This piece of evidence directly linked the suspects to the act.
A Night Out That Led to Federal Charges
Witnesses cited in the affidavit also provided a timeline of the suspects' movements on Friday night. Reports indicate that Patterson and Cardoza had initially traveled across the Charles River, reportedly looking for parties at Tufts University or MIT. They later returned to the Longwood area, where the Harvard Medical School campus is located.
Officials Condemn Dangerous Act
Law enforcement officials have strongly condemned the alleged actions, highlighting the potential for severe harm. FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks spoke about the inherent danger of the incident.
"There’s no doubt that what 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," Docks said.
The timing of the explosion, late on a Friday night, meant that the building was largely empty, preventing any injuries. School officials have confirmed that the damage was contained and did not compromise the building's structural integrity.
Campus Response and Building Status
In an email to the Harvard Medical School community, Dean George Q. Daley and Executive Dean for Administration Lisa M. Muto stated that only a small section of the fourth-floor hallway was impacted. No structural damage was reported, and the building, including the affected floor, was reopened to affiliates on Monday.
The swift response from multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Boston Fire Department, and the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD), was critical to the investigation. HUPD interim chief Denis G. Downing was present at the press conference but did not take questions from reporters.
As the legal process begins for Patterson and Cardoza, the investigation continues. Authorities have not commented on where the firework was acquired or if the suspects have provided any statements regarding their actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can follow from reckless and dangerous acts.