A Harvard Law School visiting professor was placed on administrative leave after police said he fired a pellet rifle near a Brookline synagogue, according to the New York Post. Carlos Portugal Gouvea, 43, was arrested Wednesday night outside Temple Beth Zion on Beacon Street. He told police he was “hunting rats,” according to Brookline.News.
Carlos Portugal Gouvea, 43, was arrested Wednesday night outside Temple Beth Zion on Beacon Street (harvard.edu)
Gouvea earned his Harvard Law doctorate in 2008. He is an associate professor at the University of São Paulo Law School and leads a Brazilian think tank focused on social and environmental justice.
Authorities do not believe the synagogue was the intended target. Gouvea faces charges in Brookline District Court for illegally discharging a pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and damaging property, court records show.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Harvard Law School spokesperson Jeff Neal told The Post that Gouvea “has been placed on administrative leave as the school seeks to learn more about this matter.” The suspension was first reported by The Harvard Crimson. No additional disciplinary actions have been announced.
Private security guards heard “two loud shots”
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Harvard Law School spokesperson Jeff Neal told The Post that Gouvea “has been placed on administrative leave as the school seeks to learn more about this matter.” The suspension was first reported by The Harvard Crimson. No additional disciplinary actions have been announced.
Private security guards heard “two loud shots”
{{/usCountry}}
The police response involved more than a dozen officers as worshippers arrived for Yom Kippur services. Two private security guards confronted Gouvea after hearing “two loud shots” and seeing him with the pellet gun.
Gouvea allegedly put the gun down, but a “brief physical struggle” occurred as the guards tried to detain him, Brookline.News reported. He ran into a nearby residence, then came out and was arrested. Police later found a broken car window with a pellet inside.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Gouvea pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday. He was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court in early November. Neither he nor an attorney listed in court records responded to requests for comment.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Home/World News/Us News/Who is Carlos Portugal Gouvea? Harvard Law professor arrested after firing pellet gun near Brookline synagogue
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
