Police were called to the Harvard Square train station on Sunday afternoon after reports of gunfire. Around 2 p.m., the Harvard University Police Department issued alerts urging the community to shelter in place. Just over an hour later, the order was lifted.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Brianna M. Carbajal, a Harvard student, reported hearing three or four shots before seeing a man sprinting from the station with a handgun. Another student, Marcos Garcia, saw the same man flee towards Brattle Street, prompting police searches in that area.
Trains were affected during the incident. Passengers on a passing MBTA train heard the loud noises as well. Aaron E. Beaulieu shared that the train briefly halted, and the conductor asked everyone to stay calm. When the train moved away, it was met with a presence of police officers and passengers leaving the station.
As police secured the area, the turnstiles were closed off with caution tape, but people could still enter under police supervision. The MBTA estimated delays of about 15 minutes for Red Line trains, suggesting that some trains would remain at various stations during the response.
In light of the rising concern about gun violence in public spaces, incidents like these spark discussions about safety. A Pew Research study found that nearly 70% of Americans worry about gun violence, highlighting a growing anxiety in everyday life.
While this incident is still developing, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public spaces and the importance of swift police response.
Stay informed as the story unfolds.
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