A visiting professor at Harvard Law School, Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for allegedly discharging a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, Massachusetts, on the eve of Yom Kippur. ([thecrimson.com](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/10/5/hls-visiting-prof-arrested/?utm_source=openai))
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on October 1, 2025. Two private security guards stationed outside the synagogue reported hearing two loud shots and observed Gouvêa holding a pellet rifle behind a tree. When they approached him, a brief physical struggle ensued before Gouvêa fled into his nearby residence. ([wcvb.com](https://www.wcvb.com/article/harvard-professor-arrested-for-firing-pellet-gun-outside-brookline-temple/68837884?utm_source=openai))
Upon arrival, Brookline police arrested Gouvêa, who stated he was “hunting rats in the area.” Investigations revealed a shattered car window nearby, with a metal pellet round lodged inside. ([wcvb.com](https://www.wcvb.com/article/harvard-professor-arrested-for-firing-pellet-gun-outside-brookline-temple/68837884?utm_source=openai))
Gouvêa was charged in Brookline District Court with illegally discharging a pellet gun, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and malicious damage of personal property. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on personal recognizance, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for early November. ([thecrimson.com](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/10/5/hls-visiting-prof-arrested/?utm_source=openai))
Harvard Law School spokesperson Jeff Neal confirmed that Gouvêa “has been placed on administrative leave as the school seeks to learn more about this matter.” ([thecrimson.com](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/10/5/hls-visiting-prof-arrested/?utm_source=openai))
Gouvêa, 43, is also an associate professor at the University of São Paulo Law School and leads a Brazilian think tank focused on social and environmental justice. He earned his doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2008. ([thecrimson.com](https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/10/5/hls-visiting-prof-arrested/?utm_source=openai))
Temple Beth Zion addressed the incident in a statement, noting that while the situation was potentially dangerous, there is no indication it was motivated by antisemitism. ([nbcboston.com](https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/temple-beth-zion-brookline-security-incident-harvard-professor-arrested/3820967/?utm_source=openai))
The Brookline Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.