BOSTON — Two college students from Massachusetts have been charged with conspiring to detonate a large commercial firework inside a laboratory at Harvard Medical School. Federal authorities allege that the incident, which took place on November 1, 2025, was a reckless act that could have led to significant injuries and property damage.
Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, were arrested Tuesday morning. They have been charged with one count of conspiracy to damage a federally funded institution through the use of an explosive device. Both men made their initial court appearance later that day and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on November 24.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, surveillance footage shows the suspects attempting to execute their plan shortly after attending Halloween festivities at a nearby campus. The video captured them walking toward the Harvard Medical School campus in the early hours of November 1 while wearing masks and dark clothing.
The two are reported to have ignited what appeared to be roman candle-style fireworks before entering a construction area surrounding the Goldenson Building. Investigators say they then scaled scaffolding to reach the roof of the building, where a fire alarm was triggered shortly after an explosion occurred inside a fourth-floor research lab. A “large commercial firework” reportedly detonated within a wooden locker in the lab, prompting an evacuation.
Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI in Boston, commented on the incident, emphasizing the potential harm that could have resulted from such an explosion. “The explosive device had the potential to cause significant injury to anyone nearby,” he stated, noting that quick action from first responders prevented injury and minimized damage.
Footage reviewed by authorities also shows Patterson and Cardoza leaving the building shortly after the explosion, fleeing in different directions. Cardoza was later observed sitting on a bench and discarding his pants in a nearby trash bin, while Patterson was seen at another campus soon after, appearing agitated and charging his phone.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects had coordinated their actions through social media leading up to the event. Public Instagram accounts linked to both individuals showed similar profile pictures and indicated they were friends prior to the incident.
Witnesses confirmed that they had seen Patterson and Cardoza together on multiple occasions around Halloween time, as they celebrated on campus. Investigators hope the evidence gathered will shed light on the motivations behind the alleged act and any possible accomplices.
The charges against Patterson and Cardoza highlight a serious concern about safety and public security, particularly in settings where academic and research activities take place. As the situation develops, federal authorities are continuing to assess the full implications of the event and ensure adequate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.