In the pre-dawn darkness of November 1st, a chilling plot unfolded at Harvard Medical School. Two young men, Logan Patterson and Dominick Cardoza, allegedly orchestrated an explosion within a neuroscience research lab, using a powerful commercial firework as their weapon.
Federal authorities have charged both Patterson, 18, and Cardoza, 20, with conspiracy to damage the Goldenson Building, a critical hub for cutting-edge neurological research. The incident triggered a fire alarm and sent investigators scrambling to determine the source of the blast.
Surveillance footage paints a disturbing picture. The pair, masked and cloaked in dark clothing, were captured approaching the Harvard campus in the early hours of the morning. They were seen igniting fireworks before scaling a construction fence and accessing the roof of the Goldenson Building.
The explosion, which occurred on the fourth floor at 2:45 a.m., detonated inside a wooden locker. Investigators quickly determined a large commercial firework was the cause. The potential for devastation was immense, but thankfully, no one was injured.
FBI Special Agent Ted Docks emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating the device “had the potential to cause significant injury.” He credited the swift response of first responders with preventing a tragedy. The incident could have easily resulted in serious harm or even loss of life.
Following the explosion, the two men allegedly moved through the building, visiting the fifth floor before fleeing in opposite directions. Cardoza was seen discarding clothing in a nearby trash bin, while Patterson returned to the Wentworth Institute of Technology campus.
Authorities tracked Patterson’s movements, observing him running between buildings and charging his phone. He later rendezvoused with Cardoza and a third individual, continuing their escape towards the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Investigators pieced together the puzzle through surveillance footage and witness accounts, identifying Patterson and Cardoza as having been present at Halloween events at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Their connection was further solidified by matching profile pictures on their respective Instagram accounts.
The social media profiles, while seemingly ordinary with posts depicting graduations and social gatherings, provided another link in the chain of evidence. The identical profile photograph used by both men raised immediate suspicion.
Both men were arrested Tuesday morning and appeared in federal court in Boston. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 24th, where further details of this alarming incident are expected to be revealed.
