32 votes

'Intentional' explosion at Harvard medical campus under investigation

13 comments

  1. [5]
    AnxiousCucumber
    Link
    Explosion like "Halloween stupid fireworks prank", or explosion like "domestic terrorism"? The article isn't clear.

    Explosion like "Halloween stupid fireworks prank", or explosion like "domestic terrorism"? The article isn't clear.

    10 votes
    1. [4]
      cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      If I had to guess (and this is total speculation), it was probably an attempt to get access to a drug storage locker, so I don't imagine it was a very big explosion or terrorism related....

      If I had to guess (and this is total speculation), it was probably an attempt to get access to a drug storage locker, so I don't imagine it was a very big explosion or terrorism related. Apparently the Goldenson Building, where this took place, is home to Harvard's Biomedical Research and Neuroscience labs, so make of that what you will.

      14 votes
      1. [3]
        ShroudedScribe
        Link Parent
        Are the locks on those explosion grade? And wouldn't that risk damaging the contents? With the prevalence of lock picking knowledge online that seems a bit unlikely to me.

        Are the locks on those explosion grade? And wouldn't that risk damaging the contents? With the prevalence of lock picking knowledge online that seems a bit unlikely to me.

        5 votes
        1. [2]
          nukeman
          Link Parent
          If it’s for controlled substances, the DEA standard is apparently TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools. Explosives are a separate rating (TXTL), and I suspect a...

          If it’s for controlled substances, the DEA standard is apparently TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools. Explosives are a separate rating (TXTL), and I suspect a relatively small amount of explosives could get you in.

          12 votes
          1. l_one
            Link Parent
            Notably, the selection of tools (specifically power tools) is both a bit limited and somewhat vague. They DO mention abrasive cutting wheels, though they don't specifically say battery or plug-in...

            TL-30, meaning it must withstand 30 minutes of being attacked by tools

            Notably, the selection of tools (specifically power tools) is both a bit limited and somewhat vague. They DO mention abrasive cutting wheels, though they don't specifically say battery or plug-in powered grinders (or otherwise specify the type and power of tool using a cutting disk) so I would be curious to know what their limits are to pass the TL-30 test.

            Example: an older Ni-Cad battery powered grinder is materially different than a modern Lion or Lipo powered grinder. More torque, higher max RPM, etc... Then there are modern corded grinders, and then things like gasoline powered concrete saws...

            So, yeah, I'd be curious about the specifics of what they use to test for that 30 minute rating and just how aggressive they get.

            14 votes
  2. [8]
    cfabbro
    Link
    Update: 2 men arrested in explosion at Harvard University and accused of setting off firework in medical building, FBI says

    Update: 2 men arrested in explosion at Harvard University and accused of setting off firework in medical building, FBI says

    Two Massachusetts men arrested in connection with an explosion Saturday at Harvard University are accused of detonating a firework inside a laboratory locker in a medical building, federal authorities said Tuesday.

    Logan David Patterson, 18, of Bourne, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Plymouth, were charged with conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000.

    The explosion happened on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building, part of the school’s medical campus in Boston. The firework was detonated inside a laboratory locker, Foley said.

    A motive is still being investigated. Docks alleged that Cardoza tried to throw away the pants he was wearing on the day of the explosion and that both men "boasted" about it to their friends.

    8 votes
    1. [7]
      DefinitelyNotAFae
      Link Parent
      Motive seems to be "Hey bro watch this." Maybe it was something else but like, you don't need more than that. But maybe I've just seen too many conduct reports lately.

      Motive seems to be "Hey bro watch this."

      Maybe it was something else but like, you don't need more than that. But maybe I've just seen too many conduct reports lately.

      8 votes
      1. [6]
        cfabbro
        Link Parent
        Yeah, it's definitely looking like it was "just a prank, bro!" ಠ_ಠ

        Yeah, it's definitely looking like it was "just a prank, bro!" ಠ_ಠ

        4 votes
        1. [5]
          DefinitelyNotAFae
          Link Parent
          People pee on their roommates' clothes often enough that not only does it not surprise me but I also always ask if it's a drunk pee or a spite pee (or both.) It's common enough I have a locked and...

          People pee on their roommates' clothes often enough that not only does it not surprise me but I also always ask if it's a drunk pee or a spite pee (or both.) It's common enough I have a locked and loaded follow up question. Students point laser pointers at cops from a window multiple times a year. I just expect this sort of thing.

          If we had fireworks in this state I'm sure we'd have had a *I got a great idea, it'll be hilarious" moment. I wouldn't be shocked if they posted it on socials too.

          Work in housing in higher ed and you'll rarely be surprised after the first year. Because you'll see EVERYTHING

          9 votes
          1. [4]
            cfabbro
            Link Parent
            LOL, that's pretty F'd up. And hearing that makes me glad I never lived in res myself.

            LOL, that's pretty F'd up. And hearing that makes me glad I never lived in res myself.

            2 votes
            1. [3]
              DefinitelyNotAFae
              Link Parent
              It's honestly usually more funny than not

              It's honestly usually more funny than not

              3 votes
              1. [2]
                cfabbro
                Link Parent
                As an outside observer, sure, but I don't imagine it's particularly funny for the person who had their clothes pissed on. :P

                As an outside observer, sure, but I don't imagine it's particularly funny for the person who had their clothes pissed on. :P

                2 votes
                1. DefinitelyNotAFae
                  Link Parent
                  Nope. Definitely from a staff angle. It's also a pain because people are upset and it makes you do a lot of work. But you laugh rather than crash out

                  Nope. Definitely from a staff angle. It's also a pain because people are upset and it makes you do a lot of work. But you laugh rather than crash out

                  3 votes