Feds Confirm Identity of Harvard Medical School Explosion Suspects Amid Revelations on Social Media Activity

Feds Identify Suspects in Harvard Medical School Laboratory Explosion

Two college students from Massachusetts have been accused of orchestrating an explosion using a large commercial firework inside a research laboratory at Harvard Medical School, according to federal authorities. The suspects, identified as Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, face serious charges related to the incident.

Charges Filed Against the Suspects

Patterson and Cardoza were arrested on Tuesday morning and subsequently charged with conspiracy to damage property at the Ivy League institution. The Goldenson Building, where the explosion occurred, houses important neuroscience research labs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts reported that both individuals have been charged with one count of conspiracy to damage, by means of an explosive, property owned or used by an institution receiving federal funding.

Details of the Arrest

The suspects made their initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Tuesday afternoon, and they are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on November 24. This case has drawn significant attention, given the potential implications of their actions.

Surveillance Footage Raises Alarms

According to the federal complaint, the two were reportedly on the Wentworth Institute of Technology campus for Halloween celebrations. They were allegedly captured on surveillance footage together on Halloween night and in the early hours of November 1.

At approximately 2:33 a.m., camera footage shows Patterson and Cardoza approaching the Harvard Medical School campus wearing dark clothing and face coverings. Moments later, they were seen igniting roman candle-style fireworks before making their way to the campus.

Accessing the Goldenson Building

A little over ten minutes later, the suspects allegedly climbed over a fence and accessed a construction area surrounding the Goldenson Building. They proceeded to scale scaffolding beside the building, ultimately reaching the roof.

At 2:45 a.m., a fire alarm sounded after an explosion was reported inside a fourth-floor research lab of the Department of Neurobiology. Investigators later determined that a large commercial firework had detonated within a wooden locker.

Potential for Catastrophe Averted

Ted Docks, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Boston, detailed the severity of the offense, stating that the suspects’ actions could have resulted in significant injuries. He emphasized the luck involved in avoiding casualties, attributing the lack of injuries to prompt action from first responders.

This incident has heightened concerns about safety protocols within educational institutions, especially those housing sensitive research facilities.

Suspects’ Movements After the Incident

Footage captured the two men visiting the fifth floor before they exited the building and fled in different directions. Prosecutors revealed that surveillance also depicted Cardoza sitting on a bench, removing his pants, and discarding them in a garbage bin shortly after the explosion.

Meanwhile, Patterson was spotted back on the Wentworth campus around 3:09 a.m., appearing anxious while charging his phone and moving between buildings.

Post-Incident Identities Confirmed

At approximately 3:40 a.m., Patterson reportedly reunited with Cardoza and another individual as they walked toward the Massachusetts College of Art and Design campus. Witnesses later confirmed their identities, recalling that the men had attended Wentworth for Halloween festivities.

Social Media Trail Connects the Suspects

The FBI affidavit indicates that both Patterson and Cardoza maintained public Instagram accounts that were traced back to them before the explosion. The accounts feature an identical profile photo of the duo with several other young men, which provides further evidence linking them together.

These social media profiles display a limited number of posts highlighting personal milestones such as high school graduations and recreational activities with friends.

Legal Implications of the Charges

Authorities have laid serious charges against both men, emphasizing the gravity of using explosives in a manner that endangers public safety. Their actions are under scrutiny as investigators compile evidence to present at the upcoming hearing. The outcomes could impact not only the suspects but also broader discussions regarding campus safety and protocols against potential threats.

Fox News’ Molly Line contributed to this report.