BOSTON (AP) — A Harvard visiting law professor from Brazil, Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, has left the United States after federal officials confirmed the revocation of his visa. This transition follows his arrest for firing a pellet gun near Temple Beth Zion during Yom Kippur, which he stated was aimed at rats.
Gouvêa was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and subsequently agreed to depart voluntarily, arriving back in Brazil shortly thereafter, as confirmed by his attorney, Joseph D. Eisenstadt.
The incident in October drew attention, with Homeland Security officials labeling it antisemitic. Nonetheless, Temple Beth Zion later indicated that Gouvêa’s actions did not appear to be driven by antisemitic motives. The police reported that Gouvêa was reportedly unaware of the synagogue's proximity and the significance of the Jewish holiday.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the incident, emphasizing that there is no place for acts of antisemitism in the United States, calling it contrary to the nation's values.
Law enforcement responded to a report of gunshots during the Yom Kippur service and found Gouvêa with a pellet rifle behind a tree. Following a brief struggle with police, he claimed he was attempting to reduce a rat problem in his vicinity.
Gouvêa faced multiple charges following the event and agreed to a plea deal, resulting in his placement on probation and a restitution payment for damage he caused. His J-1 visa was revoked on October 16 by the State Department after the shooting incident was categorized as antisemitic.
Originally set to teach at Harvard in the fall of 2025, Gouvêa's ties to the academic community in the U.S. have been clouded by this controversy. Harvard has refrained from commenting on his case.
In light of the incident, the University of São Paulo Law School director defended Gouvêa, noting his history of promoting human rights and connections to the Jewish community.
