Dear Members of the HMS Community:
We are writing to share an update following the incident that occurred in the Goldenson Building early Saturday morning and subsequent Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) Timely Warning messages sent to the University community.
First and foremost, we want to reiterate that thankfully no one was injured. The small section of the fourth-floor hallway where the explosion took place has been cleared and is fully operational. There was no structural damage to the building, and all labs and equipment remain intact. Cleaning crews are on site to help ensure everything is ready for the beginning of the work week tomorrow.
HUPD’s investigation is active and ongoing. Yesterday afternoon HUPD released photos of two suspects seen fleeing from the building at the time of the incident. HUPD has confirmed there is no continued public safety threat, and it is safe to return to campus.
The Goldenson Building will be fully open and accessible to all who work in the building. HUPD will maintain an increased presence on the Longwood campus, which we hope will provide an added sense of comfort and security to our community.
We recognize that news of this incident may be upsetting. As a reminder, HMS has a webpage outlining available safety and well-being resources should they be helpful to you: https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/hms-cares/safety-well-being-resources.
Given the ongoing investigation, we ask that you refrain from responding to media inquiries seeking information on the investigation and instead forward them to hm_media_relations@hms.harvard.edu. Our communications team continues to coordinate media responses with HUPD and Harvard Public Affairs and Communications.
In closing, we want to thank the HUPD, including Chief Denis Downing and Steve Catalano, along with Rob Dickson, Carl Cowan, Securitas, security partners at our neighboring institutions, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for the immediacy and urgency of their response and seamless coordination.
Sincerely,
George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University
Lisa M. Muto
Executive Dean for Administration
Harvard Medical School