Cambridge, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order following reports of gunfire near its campus. Police responded quickly, and the order was lifted after confirming there was no ongoing threat. Witnesses reported multiple shots fired in an altercation involving individuals on bicycles. No gunshot victims were found, and police are seeking evidence and surveillance footage related to the incident, which marks the seventh gunfire case in the area this year.
Cambridge
Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order on Friday morning due to a shooting incident near its campus. The shelter-in-place order was lifted by noon after it was determined there was no ongoing threat. Cambridge police responded to multiple 911 reports of gunfire around 10:58 a.m. The shooting occurred on Sherman Street, close to Danehy Park and the Radcliffe Quad.
Incident and immediate response
Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots fired during the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate an altercation involving two or three people took place in the roadway. At least one person, described as a male on a bicycle, allegedly shot at another person who was also on a bicycle. All parties involved fled the scene before police arrived and are not believed to still be in the area.
No victims with gunshot wounds were located at the scene, and there are no ongoing public safety risks. Ballistic evidence was recovered by police during their investigation of the incident. Authorities later released photos of a person of interest, noting that he is not currently wanted, but detectives wish to speak with him.
Police actions and search effort
Officers worked to clear nearby locations and engaged in a focused search for the suspect in potentially busy areas like parks and schools. Police are still in the process of gathering evidence and seeking surveillance footage related to the incident. Cambridge police indicated that this incident marks the seventh gunfire case of the year in the area, with only three resulting in victims, including one death in January.
The most recent prior gunfire incident before this one occurred on October 6. Harvard issued alerts advising students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Current status and public guidance
Authorities state there is no indication of an ongoing threat in the immediate area. The shelter-in-place order was lifted by noon after it was determined there was no ongoing threat. Local officials continue to request help from the public for any relevant surveillance footage or information that could assist the investigation.
Background and context
Cambridge police recorded this event as the seventh gunfire case of the year in the area, with only three resulting in victims, including one death in January. The most recent prior gunfire incident before this one occurred on October 6. Ballistic evidence was recovered by police during their investigation of the incident, and officers remain engaged in evidence collection and follow-up.
Harvard’s brief shelter-in-place order and follow-up alerts were part of a rapid campus safety response designed to limit movement and protect the community while police cleared the scene and conducted searches. With no wounded victims located and no ongoing public safety risks identified, campus operations resumed after the shelter order was lifted.
FAQ
- Was a shelter-in-place order issued?
- Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order on Friday morning due to a shooting incident near its campus.
- When was the shelter-in-place lifted?
- The shelter-in-place order was lifted by noon after it was determined there was no ongoing threat.
- Where did the shooting occur?
- The shooting occurred on Sherman Street, close to Danehy Park and the Radcliffe Quad.
- When did police respond?
- Cambridge police responded to multiple 911 reports of gunfire around 10:58 a.m.
- How many shots were reported?
- Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots fired during the incident.
- What do investigators believe happened?
- Preliminary investigations indicate an altercation involving two or three people took place in the roadway.
- Were any victims found?
- No victims with gunshot wounds were located at the scene, and there are no ongoing public safety risks.
- Was anyone seen shooting?
- At least one person, described as a male on a bicycle, allegedly shot at another person who was also on a bicycle.
- Did the suspects remain on scene?
- All parties involved fled the scene before police arrived and are not believed to still be in the area.
- Did police recover any evidence?
- Ballistic evidence was recovered by police during their investigation of the incident.
- Has anyone been identified?
- Authorities later released photos of a person of interest, noting that he is not currently wanted, but detectives wish to speak with him.
- How does this incident fit into local trends?
- Cambridge police indicated that this incident marks the seventh gunfire case of the year in the area, with only three resulting in victims, including one death in January.
- When was the most recent prior gunfire incident?
- The most recent prior gunfire incident before this one occurred on October 6.
- What should the campus community do now?
- Harvard issued alerts advising students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
- Are police still investigating?
- Police are still in the process of gathering evidence and seeking surveillance footage related to the incident.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | The shooting occurred on Sherman Street, close to Danehy Park and the Radcliffe Quad. |
| Police response time | Cambridge police responded to multiple 911 reports of gunfire around 10:58 a.m. |
| Shots reported | Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots fired during the incident. |
| Suspect description | At least one person, described as a male on a bicycle, allegedly shot at another person who was also on a bicycle. |
| Victims located | No victims with gunshot wounds were located at the scene, and there are no ongoing public safety risks. |
| Evidence | Ballistic evidence was recovered by police during their investigation of the incident. |
| Person of interest | Authorities later released photos of a person of interest, noting that he is not currently wanted, but detectives wish to speak with him. |
| Campus action | Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order on Friday morning due to a shooting incident near its campus. The shelter-in-place order was lifted by noon after it was determined there was no ongoing threat. |
| Ongoing investigation | Police are still in the process of gathering evidence and seeking surveillance footage related to the incident. |
| Local trend | Cambridge police indicated that this incident marks the seventh gunfire case of the year in the area, with only three resulting in victims, including one death in January. |
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Additional Resources
- Cambridge Day
- Wikipedia: Shooting Incident
- Boston Herald
- Google Search: Harvard shelter in place
- Boston.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- NBC Boston
- Google News: Harvard shooting
- WHDH
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