Oregon man defaced synagogue with antisemitic graffiti multiple times: DOJ

A 34-year-old man from Eugene, Oregon, named Adam Edward Braun pleaded guilty in federal court to three hate crimes after repeatedly defacing a synagogue in his hometown, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ announced in a press release that Braun admitted to intentionally defacing Temple Beth Israel, a synagogue in Eugene, on two separate occasions. He also pleaded guilty to attempting to damage the synagogue because it was a place for Jewish people to worship.

Court documents and statements revealed that Braun targeted the synagogue with antisemitic graffiti. In one incident, he spray-painted the numbers “1377” on the building, choosing this number as it resembled “1488,” a white supremacist slogan associated with Adolf Hitler and the “Fourteen Words.”

On another occasion in January, Braun used a ball-peen hammer to try to damage the synagogue’s glass doors. However, upon realizing he was being recorded by a surveillance camera, he stopped and moved to another area where he spray-painted “WHITE POWER” in large letters.

With assistance from the FBI, the Eugene Police Department executed a state search warrant at Braun’s residence in January 2024. During the search, investigators found evidence linking Braun to the crimes at Temple Beth Israel, as well as items consistent with antisemitic beliefs.

Braun was subsequently arrested by the FBI on March 7. While he pleaded guilty to the charges on Tuesday, he has not yet been sentenced. He faces up to a year in prison for each of the three charges, along with potential fines and restitution.

The case highlights the prevalence of antisemitism and hate crimes in communities across the country. It serves as a reminder of the importance of combating such acts of bigotry and intolerance.

As the legal proceedings continue, Braun’s sentencing will be determined in the coming months. The impact of his actions on the Jewish community and the broader implications of hate crimes will be closely monitored.

Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. For more updates on this case and other breaking news stories, follow Greg on Twitter @GregWehner or reach out via email at Greg.Wehner@Fox.com.