Carlos Portugal Gouvea, a Harvard Law School professor recently arrested for firing a pellet rifle outside a Massachusetts synagogue, has a long history with some of America's most prestigious academic institutions, including Yale Law School and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of business. Gouvea, who claimed he was shooting rats and not targeting anyone, is also a prominent activist in Brazil, leading nonprofits that have received significant funding from major American foundations. His organizations have played key roles in Brazilian gun control legislation and in promoting diversity and climate justice initiatives.

Following the incident, Harvard placed Gouvea on administrative leave. Authorities charged him with several offenses, but local police stated there was no evidence he was targeting the synagogue, calling the timing and location coincidental. Gouvea pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court in November. The case comes at a sensitive time for Harvard, which faces scrutiny over its handling of discrimination complaints.