A Harvard visiting professor faces criminal charges after firing a pellet gun near a synagogue on Yom Kippur, but police determined antisemitism played no role in the incident. Carlos Portugal Gouvea, a Brazilian law professor, told authorities he was hunting rats on Wednesday when security guards at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline heard gunfire and locked down the building. Officers arrested him at his home and charged him with illegally discharging a weapon, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and damaging property after a pellet struck a vehicle.
Justice Department civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon quickly responded on social media, warning against threatening houses of worship. Harvard placed Gouvea on administrative leave pending an investigation. His attorney called the situation a complete misunderstanding, and synagogue leaders confirmed the professor lives nearby and appeared unaware of the holiday. Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi noted that Gouvea has a Jewish wife and children, easing community concerns about antisemitic motivation.
Justice Department civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon quickly responded on social media, warning against threatening houses of worship. Harvard placed Gouvea on administrative leave pending an investigation. His attorney called the situation a complete misunderstanding, and synagogue leaders confirmed the professor lives nearby and appeared unaware of the holiday. Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi noted that Gouvea has a Jewish wife and children, easing community concerns about antisemitic motivation.
