2 facing felony charges in connection with Jewish fraternity house vandalism, Temple University Police say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Two people are now facing felony charges in connection to a series of vandalism and trespassing incidents at a Jewish fraternity house on Temple University's campus.
Temple University Police announced over the weekend that the department obtained signed arrest warrants for two people over two incidents that happened in May and July at the off-campus rowhome for members of Alpha Epsilon Pi, a national Jewish fraternity.
Police are still investigating another vandalism incident that happened on May 6, where the words "Free Palestine" were spray-painted on AEPi's roof. Members of the fraternity also said an Israeli flag was stolen.
"It is just unfortunate that, you know, the Jewish fraternity was targeted for being a Jewish fraternity and for having an Israeli flag in the house," chapter treasurer Zachary Fajge said at the time.
In an announcement posted on Aug. 2, the university said there's "evidence the incidents were motivated by antisemitism."
Earlier in the summer, tensions around the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing conflict in Gaza prompted numerous protests on college campuses in Philadelphia and nationwide.
According to Temple, police have been investigating the two incidents that happened in May, but again were called to the fraternity house on July 26 after getting reports of people on the roof. "Temple's police officers and detectives are actively investigating these incidents as both a criminal and student disciplinary matter," the school said.
"Temple University does not tolerate antisemitic or other hate crimes, including vandalism and damage to property," Temple reiterated in the statement, which was signed by university President Richard Englert and Senior Vice President and Provost Gregory Mandel. "Temple unequivocally condemns antisemitism and other acts of hatred, incitement to violence, threats, harassment and discrimination against any person."
Temple University Police ask anyone with information in connection to the vandalism at AEPi call 215-204-1234