Someone broke into the off-campus home of UC San Diego's Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity sometime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 and spray-painted swastikas, a Star of David, references to the Ku Klux Klan, and the written threat “Die AEPi” across the interior and exterior walls. San Diego police are now investigating the vandalism as a bias-motivated hate crime, and a $2,000 reward is on the table for anyone who can help identify who did it.
The residence belongs to AEPi's Chi Sigma chapter, a historically Jewish fraternity, and the specific markings left behind go well beyond generic slurs, according to Belaaz News. NBC 7 San Diego reported that the outlet is declining to show images of the graffiti because of its content, and that investigators believe the suspect or suspects entered the residence sometime during that overnight window before spray-painting slurs across the walls.
The San Diego Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Unit is leading the investigation, with the report noting operational assistance from the UC San Diego Police Department and university administration. Investigators are urging anyone who saw a suspicious person or vehicle near the residence to come forward, and tips can be submitted anonymously online or through the mobile app at sdcrimestoppers.org.
Fraternity Members Say They Won't Be Intimidated
Members of AEPi's Chi Sigma chapter said the defacement was a deliberate act of antisemitic intimidation meant to single out Jewish students, according to a statement shared on Facebook. The chapter members declared that they would not be intimidated into hiding following the attack.
UC San Diego issued its own statement on Tuesday condemning the off-campus incident and pledging support to the students affected, per the same Belaaz News report. The vandalized home is privately owned and sits off campus, but the university said it is offering support services to the targeted student group.
Reward Offered, Advocacy Groups Respond
San Diego County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case, and the organization has partnered with both the Hate Crime Fund and the San Diego GLBTQ+ Historic Task Force in publicizing the tip line. Those with information can call the SDPD Criminal Intelligence Unit at 619-531-2331 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.
Anti-Defamation League San Diego Regional Director Fabienne Perlov issued a statement condemning the vandalism and encouraging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, according to a post from ADL San Diego. The involvement of both a national civil rights organization and a local task force underscores how seriously investigators and advocacy groups are treating the case.
What Charges Could Follow
Under California Penal Code Section 422.6, maliciously damaging property or interfering with someone's civil rights based on protected characteristics like religion is a standalone misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in county jail, a $5,000 fine, and up to 400 hours of community service, according to FindLaw. Separately, California Penal Code Sections 594 and 422.7 allow prosecutors to elevate vandalism charges to a wobbler or felony carrying state prison time if property damage exceeds certain monetary thresholds or if hate crime enhancements are proven, per Eisner Gorin LLP.
It remains an open question whether the break-in itself will result in additional burglary charges alongside any hate crime vandalism counts, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The California Department of Justice reported in June 2025 that statewide hate crimes rose 2.7% from 2023 to 2024, surpassing 2,000 total incidents, with notable increases in offenses targeting Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. The UC San Diego case follows other recent Southern California incidents, including a $20K reward in Pasadena over antisemitic vandalism at a Jewish temple mural earlier this month.
