Harvard Law Professor Arrested for Pellet Gun Incident Near Synagogue

Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, a 46-year-old visiting professor at Harvard Law School, was arrested on October 1, 2025, after allegedly firing a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, Massachusetts, during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. as congregants were participating in the Kol Nidre service, prompting a lockdown at the synagogue. Gouvêa reportedly claimed he was hunting rats in the area, which is known to have a significant rat problem.

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According to police reports, private security guards at the synagogue heard at least two loud shots and saw Gouvêa holding the pellet rifle behind a tree. A brief physical struggle ensued when a guard attempted to detain him, after which Gouvêa fled to his nearby apartment. Brookline police later found a shattered car window with a pellet lodged inside, believed to have been fired by Gouvêa. He faces multiple charges, including illegally discharging a pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and malicious damage to personal property.

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Temple Beth Zion's leadership stated that there is "no reason to believe this was an antisemitic event," emphasizing that Gouvêa was reportedly unaware of the synagogue's proximity and the significance of the holiday. Gouvêa's attorney, Vikas S. Dhar, echoed this sentiment, asserting that his client's actions were not motivated by antisemitism and describing the situation as a "total misunderstanding of an entirely innocent situation." Dhar clarified that Gouvêa respects the Jewish community, although he initially misstated Gouvêa's religious background.

Boston Globe

The incident has drawn attention amid heightened sensitivities surrounding antisemitism, particularly given recent global tensions. Harmeet Dhillon, a Trump administration official, commented on the situation, warning against actions that could threaten houses of worship. Brookline Police Department spokesperson Paul Campbell confirmed that officers did not believe antisemitism was a factor, stating that had they suspected bias, they would have charged Gouvêa with a hate crime.

New York Times

Following the incident, Harvard Law School placed Gouvêa on administrative leave while the university investigates the matter. He is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing on November 6, 2025. Gouvêa, who is also an associate professor at the University of São Paulo Law School and CEO of the Global Law Institute, has been recognized for his advocacy in human rights and gun control in Brazil.

Above the Law

• “What occurred was a total misunderstanding of an entirely innocent situation.” — Vikas S. Dhar, Attorney for Carlos Gouvêa

Boston.com

• “It was potentially dangerous to use a BB gun in such a populated spot, but it does not appear to have been fueled by antisemitism.” — Temple Beth Zion Leadership

WBTS - NBC 10 - Boston

• “If the responding officers had believed that antisemitism had been a factor in Mr. Gouvêa’s actions, they would have charged him with a hate crime,” — Paul Campbell, Brookline Police Department Spokesperson

Visiting law prof at Harvard arrested for firing pellet gun near Jewish temple

• “We recognize that, given the current climate of heightened sensitivity and real concerns about antisemitism worldwide, this incident understandably raised alarm,” — Vikas S. Dhar, Attorney for Carlos Gouvêa

Boston Globe

The incident remains under investigation, and the community is awaiting further developments as Gouvêa prepares to defend himself in court.

Boston.com