Authorities from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are currently on the lookout for a suspect accused of assaulting a woman inside a dormitory on Tuesday night.
According to police reports, the incident occurred when a woman at Harvard University was attempting to enter her dorm room on Tuesday evening. A man allegedly approached her from behind, covered her mouth, and attempted to drag her into her room. Fortunately, witnesses intervened, prompting the suspect to flee the scene. Harvard campus police responded to the call at 5:41 p.m.
Despite their efforts, police were unable to locate the suspect. It was reported that the man gained entry to the residence hall by tailgating another individual, although he was not authorized to be there.
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Meanwhile, MIT police noted a similar incident on Tuesday night, involving a man matching the same description who allegedly assaulted a woman.
MIT police stated that the suspect entered a residence hall by following someone else inside. The man was observed behaving suspiciously after accessing the building through a side entrance at 5:45 p.m., according to their statement.
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Dunster House residence hall stands along the Charles River on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2025. (Sophie Park/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Officials said the man left the dorm hall at 5:59 p.m., citing security camera video. MIT police said he matched the description of the person who allegedly assaulted a Harvard student.
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The Great Dome exterior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus in Cambridge, Mass., on Oct. 21, 2025. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)
Police described the suspect as a white male, 5’9″, had a thin build, and was wearing a white T-shirt with dark colored shorts.
Harvard Lowell House Faculty Deans David Laibson and Nina Zipser sent an email to residents in the dorm, saying that a police officer is “now patrolling the area” and said residents can join them “to be together as we come to terms with what has happened,” according to the Harvard Crimson.
Harvard officials reminded students to watch for people trying to follow them into restricted campus buildings after the incident.
People with information about the incidents are encouraged to contact MIT police at 617-258-TIPS.
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