Harvard Professor Departs U.S. After Pellet Gun Incident Near Synagogue

Sun Dec 07 2025 20:11:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, a visiting law professor from Brazil, voluntarily left the United States following an incident where he shot a pellet gun near a synagogue during Yom Kippur, sparking debates about antisemitism.

Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, a Brazilian law professor visiting Harvard, has returned to Brazil after his U.S. visa was revoked. He was arrested for firing a pellet gun near a synagogue during Yom Kippur and claimed he was targeting rats. While the incident sparked concerns of antisemitism, local officials stated it was not motivated by such sentiments. Gouvêa entered a plea agreement on related charges, was placed on probation, and now faces an uncertain professional future.

BOSTON (AP) — Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, a Brazilian law professor visiting Harvard, has departed the United States following the revocation of his visa. Gouvêa was arrested for shooting a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion during Yom Kippur, which led to discussions about potential antisemitic motivations.

Emergency responders arrived at the temple after reports of a 'person with a gun' on Oct. 1. Security personnel stated they heard multiple gunshots and found Gouvêa with a pellet rifle. Initially claiming to target rats, Gouvêa's actions alarmed the congregation during this sacred time.

Despite the federal description of the incident as antisemitic, the synagogue submitted that there was no malice intended. Following his arrest, Gouvêa was placed on probation for six months after a plea deal and was ordered to pay restitution for property damage.

Gouvêa's involvement at Harvard was highlighted as he was scheduled to teach courses on law and social issues. His departure raises questions about his career, particularly as he has a history of advocating for human rights and has ties to the Jewish community, which were defended by his home university.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the privilege of studying in the U.S. and called out violent acts, ensuring there is 'no room' for such behavior. Now back in Brazil, Gouvêa's future endeavors remain uncertain.