Eugene Man Charged with Damaging Federal Property

EUGENE, Ore.-A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building.

Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property.

"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."

"This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. "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-anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval."

According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body.

Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.