A Harvard Law School visiting professor has been placed on administrative leave following an incident in which he allegedly fired a pellet gun near a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts. The professor, 43-year-old Carlos Gouvea, was arrested after reportedly discharging the weapon outside Temple Beth Zion on Beacon Street on the eve of Yom Kippur.
Police stated that Gouvea claimed his actions were an attempt to “hunt rats,” though investigators dismissed this explanation. He faces charges including illegal discharge of a pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and malicious damage to property. A large law enforcement response was deployed as congregants gathered for services marking the Jewish calendar’s holiest day.
Harvard Law School confirmed Gouvea’s suspension, with spokesperson Jeff Neal stating the institution is investigating the matter. No further disciplinary steps have been announced. The incident occurred amid broader tensions, including a separate attack in the U.K. where a Muslim man killed two people outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur.
