Harvard Law School Researcher Arrested After Pellet Gun Incident Near Synagogue
Brookline, MA – Carlos Portugal Gouvea, a researcher at Harvard Law School and CEO of a Brazilian think tank focused on environmental and social justice, was arrested last week following an incident where he allegedly fired a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Gouvea pleaded guilty to all charges related to the incident and was released on personal recognizance,with a court hearing scheduled for November.
Brookline Police deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell stated that the initial investigation does not suggest the shots were intentionally aimed at the synagogue or its congregation.”From what we certainly know, it does not appear this was related to the Temple or an instance of antisemitism. The proximity to the Temple and the timing (Yom Kippur) appear to be coincidental,” Campbell said in an email. “Mr. Gouvea lives in the area.”
Harvard Law School has placed Gouvea on administrative leave while they gather more information about the case. “Carlos Portugal Gouvêa has been placed on administrative leave as the school seeks to learn more about this matter,” said Harvard Law School spokesperson Jeff Neal in a statement.
The incident occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny of Harvard by the Trump Management regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus. Federal officials have accused the university of failing to adequately address concerns raised by Jewish and Israeli students and faculty following the October 7,2023,attacks against Israel.
The administration previously alleged that a prolonged protest encampment during demonstrations over the war in Gaza created a hostile surroundings. president Trump recently stated he was nearing a “deal” with Harvard, potentially involving the university paying $500 million to establish trade schools focused on fields like artificial intelligence, following the administration’s stripping of billions in research funding and initiation of investigations.
Harvard has filed a lawsuit challenging the funding cuts. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, an Obama appointee, ruled in September that the Trump administration invoked antisemitism as a “smokescreen” for its intent to defund the university due to political disagreements. Judge Burroughs found the administration’s concern for Jewish students and faculty to be a “red herring” used to justify unlawfully freezing over $2.6 billion in funding, noting the government disregarded Harvard’s efforts to address student and staff concerns.
(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty images, File)
Originally Published: October 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM EDT