A Harvard Law professor was placed on administrative leave after an incident involving the discharge of a pellet rifle outside a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts. Carlos Portugal Gouvea was arrested on Wednesday as police responded to a report of someone shooting a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion, just as Yom Kippur was beginning—a time of solemn observance for the Jewish community.
It was reported that Gouvea allegedly fired two pellets from his rifle. The police response was significant, involving over a dozen officers, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. According to reports, two private security guards attempted to restrain him before law enforcement arrived, resulting in a brief physical struggle. Gouvea later explained to officers that he had been hunting rats, but it seems his aim struck a car window instead.
In the aftermath, he was charged with illegally discharging a pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and property damage. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on personal recognizance, with a court date set for early November.
Jeff Neal, a spokesperson for the faculty, confirmed Gouvea’s administrative leave as the university sought to understand the facts surrounding the case. However, formal disciplinary action has yet to be taken against him.
Members of the Temple Beth Zion leadership addressed the congregation via email, reassuring them that they believed the incident was not motivated by antisemitism. They pointed out that Brookline police informed them Gouvea was unaware of the synagogue’s proximity and did not know it was a religious holiday when he discharged the pellet gun. “It was potentially dangerous to use a BB gun in such a populated spot,” the leaders noted. Despite the gravity of the act, they emphasized that no antisemitic intent appeared to be involved.
Gouvea’s professional background adds further intrigue to this unusual incident. He holds a position as an associate professor at the University of São Paulo Law School and leads a Brazilian research institute dedicated to social and environmental justice. Remarkably, he earned his doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2008.
As this case unfolds, it raises questions not only about the professor’s actions but also the broader implications regarding accountability and violence on campuses, especially concerning their treatment of sensitive cultural and religious observances.
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