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

Are Creators the Future of Democracy?

A Harvard panel considers how “parasocial relationships” might drive democratic engagement.

Five Questions with Dick Friedman

Harvard Magazine’s longstanding football editor reflects on his career in journalism.

Harvard Board of Overseers Candidates Describe Priorities

Alumni will vote for the University governing board in April and May.

Most popular

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Mark Carney on the Limits of Soft Power

At the 2026 Davos summit, the Canadian prime minister echoes Harvard’s Joseph Nye.

Explore More From Current Issue

A stylized illustration of red coral branching from a gray base, resembling a fantastical entity.

This TikTok Artist Combines Monsters and Mental Heath

Ava Jinying Salzman’s artwork helps people process difficult feelings.

Evolutionary progression from primates to humans in a colorful illustration.

Why Humans Walk on Two Legs

Research highlights our evolutionary ancestors’ unique pelvis.

A jubilant graduate shouts into a megaphone, surrounded by a cheering crowd.

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.