Two men charged in explosion at Harvard Medical School

Two Massachusetts men have been arrested in connection with a Nov. 1 explosion inside a Harvard Medical School building, according to federal prosecutors.

Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, were charged with conspiracy to damage property by means of an explosive. 

The two used a large commercial firework inside the Goldenson Building on the Harvard Medical School campus, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts alleges. 

Surveillance cameras showed two men lighting roman candle fireworks around 2:24 a.m. and climbing over a fence into a construction area near the building, according to authorities. The men allegedly climbed scaffolding to access the roof and entered the building shortly before the explosion at 2:45 a.m. 

The blast occurred inside a wooden locker on the fourth floor, which houses a neurobiology research lab, according to charging documents. No injuries were reported, and Harvard said there was no structural damage. 

Investigators said the two fled the scene and attempted to get rid of their clothing. Cardoza was allegedly later seen on video throwing away his pants, while Patterson is suspected of attempting to enter a residential building at a nearby college. 

Federal authorities said the pair had been visiting local colleges for Halloween events before the explosion. They were arrested at their homes after members of the public identified them from police photos. 

The two men allegedly boasted about what they did to their friends, said Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston division. He described the act as “selfish” and “shortsighted.” 

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said the investigation is ongoing. 

“It’s just too early right now for us to speculate,” she said. 

The Goldenson Building reopened Nov. 2. Harvard said all labs and equipment remain intact and the affected hallway is operational. 

The charge carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson and Cardoza will appear in federal court in Boston. 

Federal prosecutors say the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Harvard police and several local police departments assisted in the investigation. 

Officials have not said whether the incident was politically or ideologically motivated.