2 Men Charged After Allegedly Igniting ‘Commercial Firework’ in Harvard Medical School, Causing Explosion: Authorities

Two Men Charged After Setting Off Firework in Harvard Medical School, Causing Explosion

Two men have been charged after allegedly igniting a commercial firework inside Harvard Medical School, resulting in an explosion. Logan D. Patterson, 18, and Dominick F. Cardoza, 20, are facing federal charges in connection with the incident. The chaos ensued during Halloween weekend while the suspects were reportedly partying with friends.

The suspects deliberately caused the explosion at Harvard Medical School, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts. The two men, identified as Patterson and Cardoza, set off a large commercial firework at the Goldenson Building around 2:25 a.m. local time. Footage from the Harvard Police Department captured the individuals wearing face coverings inside the building.

In additional footage, Patterson and Cardoza were observed climbing over a chain-link fence into a construction area surrounding the building before scaling scaffolding alongside the structure. Both suspects are now charged with conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive device. The FBI Boston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with the Harvard University Police Department, announced the arrests.

Special agent Ted E. Docks of the FBI’s Boston Division condemned the actions of the suspects, emphasizing that igniting an explosive device in a school setting is not merely a harmless prank but a serious federal offense. The arrests serve as a warning to those considering similar acts of vandalism using explosives.

Witnesses at the scene described the explosion as incredibly loud, prompting concerns about potential injuries. Campus security attempted to apprehend the suspects before they managed to escape. Patterson and Cardoza allegedly bragged about their actions to friends, ultimately leading to their identification and arrest.

The suspects were reportedly attending Halloween parties in the area on the same evening as the incident, according to The Harvard Crimson. While the Boston Fire Department’s Arson Unit determined the explosion to be intentional, no explosives were recovered from the scene. Both men appeared in federal court in Boston, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month.

Patterson and Cardoza face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000. The repercussions of their actions highlight the serious nature of using explosives for malicious intent. The investigation into the motives behind the explosion at Harvard Medical School continues, with authorities pursuing all leads to ensure accountability.