An Oregon man has been charged with hate crimes for intentionally defacing a synagogue in Eugene, Oregon, several times over five months, officials announced this week.
Adam Edward Braun, 34, of Eugene, has been charged by criminal complaint with intentionally defacing a synagogue because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people, officials stated.
Court documents reveal that from August 2023 to January 2024, Braun allegedly vandalized Temple Beth Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Eugene, four times with graffiti, including antisemitic symbols and phrases.
Braun’s actions escalated on January 14, when he attempted to damage the synagogue’s glass doors with a hammer but stopped upon realizing he was being filmed. I
Instead, he spray-painted “White Power” on the building.
On January 31, Eugene Police and the FBI searched Braun’s home, finding evidence linking him to the vandalism and materials that showed antisemitic beliefs.
Braun was arrested this week without incident by the FBI. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon and Acting Special Agent in Charge Aubree Schwartz of the FBI Portland Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Portland Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Eugene Police Department.
Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin W. Bruce for the District of Oregon are prosecuting the case.