Cambridge police and the Middlesex District Attorney's office says the officer was responding to a report of a disturbance when he was shot multiple times. He later died at a hospital. His name was not immediately released.
State police spokesman Dave Procopio says the shooting took place about 10:30 p.m. outside an MIT building.
Procopio says authorities are searching for a suspect or suspects.
There are no other victims.
About 11,000 people attend the prestigious school.
The campus website said police were sweeping the campus and urged people to stay indoors. Campus officials are advising people to stay indoors and away from Building 32 and the surrounding area.
"Although the situation is considered active and extremely dangerous, an investigation is underway. Updates will be provided at this site when more information becomes available," the university said on its website.
Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest details.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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