Full Breakdown
Harvard Medical School Fireworks Explosion Leads to Probation Sentences
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
Two Massachusetts men broke into Harvard Medical School’s Goldenson Building on Halloween 2025, set off a commercial firework inside a locker, and caused a small explosion on the fourth floor. No injuries were reported, but the blast prompted a large emergency response. Both men later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to damage a building using an explosive device.
Background & Context
Defendants Logan David Patterson, 19, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 21, of Bourne, attended several Halloween parties before targeting the Goldenson Building, which appeared abandoned. Surveillance captured them wearing face coverings, igniting a Roman-candle firework outside, and placing a cherry bomb in a locker where it detonated.
Key Figures
- Logan David Patterson – 19, machine-operator, son of a retired corrections officer.
- Dominick Frank Cardoza – 21, landscaper planning a commercial driver’s license.
- Angel Kelley – U.S. District Judge.
- Kevin J. Reddington – Attorney for Patterson.
- Stefan Rozembersky – Attorney for Cardoza.
Timeline
- Halloween night, 2025 – The pair attend parties, then head toward Longwood around 2 a.m.
- 2:23 a.m. – Video shows them walking toward the campus.
- 2:24 a.m. – They ignite a Roman-candle firework outside the building.
- 2:36 a.m. – They climb scaffolding onto the roof.
- 2:45 a.m. – Explosion recorded on the fourth floor; Harvard police respond.
- April 2026 – Both plead guilty in U.S. District Court.
- October 2026 – Sentencing: three years of probation, 300 hours community service, and a monetary penalty.
Data & Statistics
- Probation: Three years per defendant.
- Community service: 300 hours each.
- Fine: Combined amount roughly $28,517 (sources vary slightly).
- Injuries: None.
- Property damage: Minor damage to the locker area.
Official Statements & Responses
Harvard police noted an officer saw two individuals fleeing after the fire alarm sounded. An FBI affidavit detailed the defendants’ movements and timing of the explosion.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense attorneys argued the defendants had no prior records and that incarceration would hinder restitution. They also disputed the exact cleanup costs, suggesting the fine could be lower than prosecutors’ request.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was not a terrorist attack. This was not a coordinated attack against the government or aimed at Harvard; this was a couple of kids with firecrackers, not even bombs,” — Stefan Rozembersky
- “Having this felony record is going keep them from having some things in life and harm them for a long time.” — Witnesses
- “As the Probation Department points out ... there is a dispute with the amount of money expended for expenses and clean up and repair,” — Kevin J. Reddington
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources list slightly different fine totals ($28,517 vs. $28,517.70). Prosecutors’ memorandum recommends a split fine of $28,517, while the defense cites a dispute over actual cleanup expenses. No public comment was obtained from Harvard officials at sentencing.