Gunfire erupted at the Harvard Square MBTA station in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Sunday afternoon, April 20, 2025, causing panic and a swift response from law enforcement. Reports of shots fired came in at approximately 2:14 p.m., prompting a search for a suspect who fled the scene wearing a gray hoodie and ski mask.
According to the Cambridge Police Department, no injuries were reported following the incident. Initial reports indicated that three men were involved in an argument on the inbound platform just before the shots were fired. As the train departed the station, it was momentarily halted and returned to Harvard Station amid concerns that a shooter might be aboard. However, a police spokesperson later clarified that the shots were believed to have been fired at the train as it was pulling away.
In response to the unfolding situation, Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order to its campus community at 2:48 p.m., advising individuals to enter the nearest building and remain there until further notice. The alert highlighted that multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Cambridge Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Harvard Police, were actively searching for the suspect.
As the investigation progressed, the MBTA announced a temporary suspension of service between Central and Alewife stations due to police activity at the Harvard station. Shuttle buses were dispatched to assist passengers during this disruption. Even after the shelter-in-place order was lifted around 3:20 p.m., service delays continued, with the MBTA reporting delays of approximately 25 minutes.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as they heard what sounded like five or six gunshots. One visitor, Marc Bauer, who was in the area with his family, recounted, "We heard like 5 or 6 loud, what sounded like some firearm being discharged downstairs. We as a group were confused about what was going on, so we rushed back on the subway again and got out of there as quick as we could." He added, "It was loud. Just like 5 or 6 real loud gunshots, it sounded like. Almost like fireworks going off. We didn't know what was going on, but we saw a lot of people scrambling. We knew something was happening that wasn't good."
The MBTA continued to provide updates via social media, emphasizing the importance of safety and the ongoing investigation. Shortly before 3 p.m., MBTA detectives took over the investigation, utilizing video footage to assist in identifying the suspect, who is believed to be in their late teens. A witness reported seeing the suspect flee on JFK Street toward Memorial Drive.
As the situation unfolded, Harvard University continued to communicate with its community, providing updates on the search and the lifting of the shelter-in-place order. The university's prompt response and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies were crucial in ensuring the safety of students and faculty during the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the investigation remains active as police work to gather more information and locate the suspect. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by students and families. The swift response from law enforcement and the communication from Harvard University demonstrate the importance of preparedness and community awareness in the face of potential threats.
As the investigation continues, local residents and commuters are left reflecting on the day's events, grateful for the absence of injuries but wary of the implications of such violence occurring in what is typically a safe environment. The Harvard Square MBTA station, a hub of activity and a gateway to the university, now faces heightened scrutiny as authorities work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
