UMVA has learned that a shocking incident has unfolded at two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT, leaving students and authorities on high alert.
A brazen assault on a woman occurred at Harvard University on Tuesday night, when a man allegedly attacked her as she tried to enter her dorm room. The suspect, described as a white male, 5'9" with a thin build, wearing a white T-shirt and dark-colored shorts, covered her mouth and attempted to force her into the room.
Fortunately, bystanders intervened, causing the suspect to flee the building, but not before he had managed to enter the residence hall by following another person. Harvard campus police responded quickly to the incident at 5:41 p.m., but were unable to locate the suspect.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the same suspect allegedly struck again at MIT, entering a residence hall on Tuesday night by following someone else into the building. MIT police reported that the man was acting suspiciously, using a side entrance to gain access to the building at 5:45 p.m.
Security camera footage revealed that the suspect left the dorm hall at 5:59 p.m., and MIT police matched his description to the Harvard incident. Authorities are now racing to identify and apprehend the suspect, and have urged students to remain vigilant.
Harvard officials have taken steps to reassure students, with Lowell House Faculty Deans David Laibson and Nina Zipser sending an email to residents, offering support and a safe space for those affected. The incident has raised concerns about campus security, with officials reminding students to be cautious of people trying to follow them into restricted buildings.
Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to come forward, and MIT police have set up a tip line at 617-258-TIPS for those who may have seen or know something about the suspect.
