Harvard University told everyone to shelter in place Friday after reports said someone on a bike fired shots near part of its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.
The lockdown was lifted about an hour later once Cambridge police confirmed the shooting happened on Sherman Street close to Danehy Park. They also said no injuries were reported and posted that there didn’t seem to be any ongoing threat to public safety.
Cambridge Police are currently on-scene of a shots fired incident that took place on Sherman St. in the vicinity of Danehy Park. Ballistic evidence has been recovered. There are no known victims or on-going public safety risk at this time. pic. twitter. com/1UYPp NW7s I
– Cambridge Police Department (@Cambridge Police) October 24, 2025
Later, the police shared photos of a man wearing a red hoodie they wanted to talk to as a person of interest – but they made clear he’s not considered wanted for anything.
The police added that multiple shots were fired after two or three people got into some kind of fight in the street near Sherman and Stearns Streets. Everyone involved ran off.
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Police officers responding Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Cambridge after word came out about someone firing shots while riding a bike.
In its first emergency alert, Harvard said both city and university cops were searching for the person who might be heading toward Garden Street and maybe Harvard Square. People were told to stay inside buildings around Harvard’s Quad and not go outside.
“Cambridge Police are reporting that an unidentified male on a bicycle just shot at another person on Sherman Street. The suspect is on a bicycle heading toward Garden Street. Please avoid the area and shelter in place,” the alert said.
The shooting reportedly happened near Radcliffe Quad, according to police updates. The alert later clarified no one was hurt, then reminded everyone “to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the HUPD at 617-495-1212” once it was safe again.
Officers checking evidence markers following a shooting in Cambridge on Friday afternoon. Luckily nobody was injured.
Danehy Park sits northwest of Harvard’s main grounds near Alewife T station at Red Line’s end.
