Harvard University has lifted a shelter-in-place order issued Friday morning after reports of gunfire near its Radcliffe Quadrangle. The Cambridge Police Department confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety, though the search for a person of interest continues.
The incident, which occurred just before 11 a.m. on Sherman Street, prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and the Harvard University Police Department, causing significant disruption in the area.
Key Takeaways
- A shelter-in-place order at Harvard University was lifted around 11:50 a.m. on Friday.
- The order was issued after multiple 911 calls reported gunshots on Sherman Street near the Radcliffe Quad.
- Cambridge Police recovered ballistic evidence and believe the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two or three individuals.
- Authorities have released images of a person of interest and are asking for public assistance.
- Police have stated there are no known victims and no ongoing risk to the community.
Campus on Alert After Nearby Gunfire
A tense morning unfolded in Cambridge as Harvard University officials issued an emergency alert, instructing students and staff to shelter in place. The warning came after the Cambridge Police Department (CPD) received several 911 calls reporting gunshots.
The calls, which came in shortly before 11:00 a.m., directed officers to Sherman Street, near its intersection with Stearns Street. This location is in close proximity to both Danehy Park and Harvard's Radcliffe Quad, a residential and academic hub, prompting immediate concern from university officials.
Initial alerts from Harvard warned the community to avoid the area. One message stated, “If you are inside a building, stay there.” The university’s alert system specified that police were searching for a suspect who was reportedly on a bicycle.
Police Response and Investigation
Officers from the Cambridge Police Department arrived at the scene quickly. They secured the area and began gathering evidence. According to a CPD statement, investigators recovered ballistic evidence that confirmed a shooting had taken place.
Witnesses provided crucial early details, suggesting the incident was the result of an altercation in the street involving two or three people. Early reports indicated that an unidentified male on a bicycle fired shots at another person before fleeing toward Garden Street.
Timeline of Events
- Before 11:00 a.m.: Multiple 911 calls report gunshots on Sherman Street.
- Approx. 11:00 a.m.: Cambridge Police respond; Harvard University issues a shelter-in-place alert.
- Approx. 11:50 a.m.: Harvard lifts the shelter-in-place order after CPD confirms no ongoing threat.
- Approx. 3:15 p.m.: CPD issues a formal statement detailing the incident and response.
- Evening: Cambridge Police release images of a person of interest.
Roads around Sherman Street were temporarily closed as detectives processed the scene. All roadways have since been reopened to traffic.
Search for Person of Interest
Hours after the immediate danger subsided, the investigation pivoted to identifying those involved. The Cambridge Police Department released photographs of a person of interest connected to the shooting.
“Available evidence suggests that this was an isolated incident with those directly involved, there is no on-going public safety risk to the broader community,” CPD Sgt. Robert Reardon said in a statement released Friday afternoon.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the individual in the photos or has any information about the incident to contact Cambridge Police detectives directly at 617-349-3121.
Despite the confirmation of a shooting and recovery of ballistic evidence, Cambridge Police Sgt. Robert Reardon confirmed that there were “no known victims or on-going public safety risk” as of Friday afternoon.
A Community Relieved but Vigilant
The lifting of the shelter-in-place order at approximately 11:50 a.m. brought relief to the Harvard campus and surrounding neighborhoods. A Harvard emergency alert update confirmed the decision, stating, “Cambridge Police has communicated that there is no ongoing public safety risk at this time.”
However, the university also urged continued caution. The alert advised community members to “continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.” The incident highlights the close coordination between university police and local law enforcement during emergencies.
Sgt. Reardon noted that notifications were also made to nearby schools and other places of interest as a precaution. The response was described as being initiated “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and residents in the densely populated area.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the person of interest and understanding the circumstances that led to the midday altercation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence even in seemingly quiet neighborhoods, prompting discussions about public safety in the areas surrounding major university campuses.