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.

Related topics

You might also like

Faculty Set to Vote on Grade Inflation Proposal

Results of the email ballot will be announced on May 20.

Jason Furman to Lead Center for Business and Government

The new director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center bridges economic research and policy.

Harvard Awards Teaching and Mentoring Prizes

Harvard College and GSAS recognize outstanding faculty contributors.

Most popular

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week

Harvard Releases Database of 1,613 People Enslaved by University Affiliates

Research continues to track down living descendants.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

Historical scene in colonial Boston depicting British soldiers confronting civilians, with smoke rising, in a city street.

Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda

A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war.

Bronze statues of three historical figures under a stylized tree in a softly lit space.

The Costly Choice Native Americans Faced

How the Revolution reshaped indigenous New England