A package that exploded at Northeastern University, taking a 45-year-old male employee to the hospital with minor injuries to his hand, was reportedly on a “Pelican case” and contained a bizarre “manifesto.”
WBZ-TV news anchor David Wade tweeted: “WBZ I-Team sources say the package that exploded at Northeastern University was in a ‘pelican case’ and contained a manifesto targeting virtual reality and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.”
Northeastern University said the package, which exploded at 7:18 p.m. Tuesday night, was delivered on campus and detonated after it was opened by a staff member.
The package was delivered to the Leon Street building around 7 p.m. Tuesday night and exploded shortly thereafter, authorities told NBC Boston.
The Northeastern University Police Department tweeted that Holmes Hall was secured three hours after the incident, just before 10 p.m.
According to police, the employee is a 45-year-old man who suffered a minor hand injury and was taken to the hospital.
The Boston Police Department’s Bomb Squad says a search turned up a second similar package, which was eventually secured.
The Boston Bomb Squad, Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the Leon Street incident shortly after the package detonated at approximately 7:20 p.m.
Northeastern University said a package that detonated at 7:18 p.m. Tuesday night was delivered on campus and detonated when it was opened by a male staffer, aged 45
Terrorism cannot be ruled out by authorities after a package at Boston University exploded, injuring one person and taking him to hospital
The Northeastern University Police Department tweeted that Holmes Hall was secured three hours after the incident, just before 10 p.m
Harvard University says it is working with authorities to keep its campus safe
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology tweeted for people to report suspicious activity
In a news conference before the media, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she took the incident “very seriously.”
“This city is home to all young people, from our youngest learners to our college students and university staff,” Mayor Wu said.
“So we want to make sure that we emphasize that this is of the highest priority, the safety and well-being of all our young people here.”
Holmes Hall was evacuated and a notice was sent to the Boston campus at 7:55 p.m., urging people to avoid the area.
Just after 8:30 p.m., the university notified Northeast students that evening classes at Behrakis Health Sciences Center, Shillman Hall, Ryder Hall, Kariotis Hall, Dockser Hall, and West Village F investigations are cancelled.
Jacob Isaacs (pictured), who was in class at Holmes Hall when it was evacuated, says there was some confusion at the time
Isaacs added that they didn’t hear what sounded like an explosion before seeing first responders arrive
The investigation into the incident continues and the Northeastern University Police Department is urging people to “avoid the area.”
Boston police say the blast caused Holmes Hall on Leon Street to be evacuated
Other universities in the region, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, also raised concerns.
MIT tweeted, “MIT Alert: Explosion at Northeastern U. MIT Police urge the entire MIT community to exercise caution. Please report suspicious packages.
Harvard University tweeted: “Harvard Alert: HUPD is aware of reports of a suspicious package detonation in Northeastern.
“We are working with law enforcement and increasing patrols on Harvard campus.
“As a precaution, we urge community members to report anything suspicious to 617-495-1212.”
The Boston Bomb Squad, Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston EMS responded to the Leon Street incident
Boston Emergency Medical Services tweeted reports of an explosion and said at least one person was taken to the hospital earlier in the night
A 7News A reporter who spoke to authorities at the scene said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently coordinating with the Boston Police Department and terrorism has not been ruled out.
“The FBI is currently coordinating with the Boston Police Department… Sources say too early to say whether or not this is terrorism related,” the tweet said.
Boston Police Department told NBC Boston that the explosion occurred on the Holmes Hall campus on Leon Street and the building was evacuated.
Jacob Isaacs, who was in class at Holmes Hall during the evacuation, told 7News there was some confusion as to what had happened when the incident happened.
“We were in class and then we saw two police officers walking through the building and as soon as we look out the window we see a fire engine with lights blazing,” Issacs said.
“Our teacher says, ‘I need to see what’s going on,’ and he sees the fire truck pull out and there’s a police car outside, and when that happened the fire alarm went off immediately.
Isaacs added that they didn’t hear what sounded like an explosion before seeing first responders arrive.
The investigation into the incident continues and the Northeastern University Police Department is urging people to “avoid the area.”
It is still unclear where the package came from as the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
