University News | December 16, 2013

Four Harvard buildings were evacuated after an explosives threat

A report of explosives shut down four buildings on campus today.

A report of explosives sent to the Harvard University Police Department and others by e-mail shut down four buildings at Harvard today: Sever, Emerson, Thayer, and the Science Center. Final exams that were taking place in the affected classroom buildings were postponed, and the residents of Thayer Hall, a freshman dormitory in Harvard Yard, were temporarily evacuated. Harvard and Cambridge police were among the first responders, followed by Massachusetts State Police. All four buildings were eventually reopened shortly before 3 p.m.

For extensive coverage of the morning’s events, see the reports in the Crimson or from WBUR.

You might also like

Arched doorway with a decorative window above, labeled "University Hall," surrounded by stone.

The division is launching a new fundraising effort to support 50 additional students.

Two men hold up a red banner with "2030" written on it in white in a wood paneled room

Due to rain, the University held dual Convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2030 in Sanders Theatre.

Man wearing a suit stands at a podium and speaks into a microphone.

President Alan M. Garber used traditional Memorial Church address to consider the unique qualities of human intelligence and learning.

Most popular

John Singleton Copley’s <i>A Boy with a Flying Squirrel,</i> 1765

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

Stone building with tall columns, steps leading up, and a flag atop under a cloudy sky.

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman with long, wavy hair wearing a white suit, seated in a bright, modern room.

Politics and Law

The Harvard graduate’s roundtable talk show touches on hot button issues from religion to sex.

A smiling elderly man in glasses sits comfortably in a striped armchair.

Harvard Administration

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion

Runners compete on a track, with a Harvard athlete in the foreground and others behind.

Athletics

After a historic 2025-26 season, athletes eye NCAA championships.