Police Respond to Shooting in Cambridge, Harvard University Under Shelter in Place
Police responded Sunday afternoon to a shooting at the Harvard Square T Station in Cambridge, near the main campus of Harvard University. The incident triggered a shelter-in-place order for campus buildings and drew a large law-enforcement presence.
What Happened
At around 2:12 p.m. local time, a man on the southbound platform of the T station fired four to five shots at a single person, according to authorities.
The shooter then fled the scene. So far, no arrests have been made and no injuries have been reported.
A short time later, the university sent an alert to students and staff saying:
“Shelter in place. Please enter the nearest building and stay there until all clear is given.”
Around 3:20 p.m., a second notice lifted the shelter-in-place order after officials said the immediate danger had passed.
Campus Response
The campus community was shaken. Students and staff reported hearing loud pops and moments of panic. Many relocated to interior spaces until police cleared the area.
Several buildings and departments at Harvard dispatched internal alerts. Public transit was disrupted. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) said service at the station was halted and replaced by shuttle buses during the search.
Investigation Details
Authorities are treating the shooting as a targeted attack. Investigators said the fired shots were aimed at a specific individual rather than a random crowd.
The suspect is described as a male wearing a grey hoodie and a ski mask, per preliminary reports.
Multiple law-enforcement agencies joined the search. Harvard University Police, Cambridge Police, MBTA Transit Police and federal partners coordinated efforts.
Why It Matters
Harvard Square is a busy transit hub and near student housing, making this an area of high risk. The shooting and shuttered transit lines raised major safety and security concerns.
This event also highlights broader issues about violence in public transit systems. When gunfire erupts in a heavily trafficked area, the potential for casualties is high. That fact alone forces university authorities and police to treat the situation with maximum caution.
What Happens Next
The suspect remains at large. Police are examining video footage, checking card-swipe logs, interviewing witnesses and canvassing the platform area. The MBTA has increased patrols. Harvard will review its emergency protocols.
Students are advised to stay alert. The university urged everyone to report suspicious behavior and stick to verified communication channels for updates.
