EUGENE, Ore. — An 18-year-old Eugene man made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday after allegedly damaging government property while attempting to breach a federal building during a January incident.
Soren Emery Polzin has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property in connection with the Jan. 30, 2026 घटना at the federal building in Eugene.
According to court documents, Polzin was part of a group that gathered outside the building on the evening of Jan. 30 and caused significant damage to its exterior. The group allegedly targeted windows and doors while federal civilian employees were still inside.
Investigators say Polzin repeatedly struck and kicked a lobby window before ultimately shattering it with his lower body in an apparent attempt to gain entry.
“The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.”
FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson said the arrest represents significant progress in the ongoing investigation.
“This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building,” Olson said. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas.”
Polzin appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge Tuesday and was ordered released pending further court proceedings.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is an accusation, and Polzin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
