Cambridge Shooting Near Harvard and MIT Leaves Two Injured, Gunman Shot by Trooper and Ex-Marine
A tense and chaotic scene unfolded in Cambridge on Monday afternoon when a 46-year-old man carrying an assault-style rifle allegedly began firing at moving vehicles along a busy roadway near Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The incident left two people injured and triggered panic among commuters and pedestrians in the area.
Authorities identified the suspect as Tyler Brown, a resident of Boston. According to officials quoted by the Associated Press,
Brown was eventually stopped after being shot by a Massachusetts state trooper and a former Marine who intervened during the attack.
The shooting occurred on a heavily used stretch of road close to the Charles River.
Investigators said Brown allegedly walked along the roadway while randomly opening fire at passing vehicles, creating fear and confusion in the crowded area.
Prosecutors stated that the suspect fired more than 60 rounds during the rampage. Several vehicles were struck by bullets, including a state police cruiser, with reports indicating that at least a dozen cars suffered damage in the gunfire.
As shots rang out, terrified motorists scrambled to escape. Some abandoned their vehicles in the middle of the road, while others reportedly took cover underneath cars in an attempt to protect themselves from the bullets, according to the Associated Press.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan praised the actions of the responding trooper and the former Marine.
Speaking about the incident, she said that while many people were running away from danger, both men moved toward the armed suspect in an effort to stop the shooting and prevent further harm.
Officials said Brown was hit several times in his arms and legs but survived the encounter.
Prosecutors indicated that he is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, along with several firearm-related offences.
Investigators have so far found no indication that Brown personally knew any of the victims targeted during the shooting.
District Attorney Ryan also stressed the need for stricter punishment for individuals who recklessly use firearms in public spaces and endanger innocent lives.
According to the AP report, Brown was considered medically unfit to appear in court for his arraignment on Tuesday. The Committee for Public Counsel Services has been assigned to represent him in the case.
