Police Respond to Armed Incident in Cambridge: Eyewitness Accounts

A dramatic incident unfolded in Cambridge when a man armed with a long gun opened fire on vehicles along Memorial Drive. Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that ensued, with one driver narrowly escaping harm. Authorities confirmed that the situation was contained, and investigations are underway to determine if this incident is linked to prior events in Boston. Read on for more details about this alarming event.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 03:57 IST

Armed Man Opens Fire in Cambridge

A significant police operation took place on Monday afternoon in Cambridge after reports emerged of a man with a long gun firing at vehicles on Memorial Drive. The incident unfolded around 1:30 PM near River Street, prompting numerous 911 calls to the Cambridge Police Department regarding gunfire in the vicinity. Authorities later confirmed that there was no ongoing danger to the public.

Footage captured by witnesses showed a man in the street brandishing a firearm and shooting at passing cars.

Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted on the busy road. One driver recounted to a local news outlet that the suspect aimed at vehicles, damaging his car's radiator and another's headlight before directing the weapon towards him. “I saw the guy in the street lifting [the gun] at me,” he stated. “I quickly ducked back into my car and hid behind the dashboard.”

A woman driving a small school van, en route to pick up children with special needs, described fleeing through nearby bushes as the shooting commenced. “I was running for my life,” she said, noting she heard at least 15 shots fired.

Witnesses reported that the trooper engaged the suspect, shooting him multiple times. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and at least one individual was treated for gunshot wounds, although it was unclear if this was the gunman.

Authorities cordoned off a significant section of Memorial Drive and adjacent streets while investigators processed the scene. Numerous state police vehicles and Cambridge police officers remained present in the area.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stated she was closely monitoring the situation and expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action in securing the area. Investigators are also looking into a potential connection between this shooting and an earlier incident in Boston, according to reports.