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Harvard Law Visiting Professor Charged After Pellet Gun Fired Near Brookline Synagogue

Authorities say there is no indication the temple was the intended target.

Overview

  • Police arrested Carlos Portugal Gouvea on Wednesday night after security at Temple Beth Zion reported two shots as Yom Kippur services began.
  • He allegedly told officers he was hunting rats; a brief struggle with private guards preceded his arrest outside his nearby residence.
  • Prosecutors charged him with illegally discharging a BB/pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and malicious damage after a car window was found shattered with a pellet inside.
  • He pleaded not guilty, was released on personal recognizance, and is due in Brookline District Court for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 6.
  • Harvard Law School placed Gouvea on administrative leave pending its review; the synagogue briefly locked down and no injuries were reported.