Full Breakdown
Fraternity Hazing Incident Leads to Arrests at University of Wisconsin-Madison
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Police responded to an anonymous tip about a gathering at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house on Langdon Street. Officers entered the basement and found roughly 30 partially clothed men covered in food, condiments and other liquids in a hot, humid room set to 81 °F. Most participants were 18 years old and displayed visible injuries. Madison Police Captain Kipp Hartman said the event was unlawful, the participants were escorted outside, and two 20-year-old men—fraternity president Brayden J. Klein and vice president Samuel N. Vane—were arrested on misdemeanor hazing and disorderly-conduct charges. The incident was reported on September 25, 2026.
Background & Context
Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) is a nationally recognized fraternity whose Madison chapter was terminated by the university in 2015 for violations of the Student Organization Code of Conduct. Because the chapter remains recognized by the national organization, it operates as an unaffiliated student group. The university’s Office of Student Conduct notes that unrecognized Greek organizations are not subject to campus policies and urges students to avoid participation.
Data & Statistics
- Approximate participants: 30 men
- Thermostat setting: 81 °F
- Age distribution: majority 18 years old
- Arrests: Brayden J. Klein (president, 20) and Samuel N. Vane (vice president, 20)
- Injuries: visible marks and fresh red bruises
Official Statements & Responses
Captain Hartman emphasized that the tip prompted a rapid response and that officers found the scene “unlawful.” He noted limited cooperation from the men and reiterated that the incident occurred during rush week, when Greek organizations typically host events. The university released a statement affirming its commitment to preventing hazing and warning that any student found in violation of state law or university policy could face sanctions ranging from reprimand to termination.
On-the-Ground Reports
Police described the basement as a “dirty space with black walls.” Several participants had fresh red marks that appeared to be the result of strikes. Rumors of feces and an undercover officer circulated on social media; Captain Hartman denied both claims, stating no feces were found and no undercover officer was involved.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Leadership identification: CBS did not specify the titles of the arrested individuals, while the Badger Herald and Spectrum News identified them as president and vice president.
- Rumor verification: Police denied the feces and undercover-officer rumors, but no independent verification was provided.
- Investigation details: Police have not disclosed the source of the tip, and the extent of cooperation from fraternity members remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Police received an anonymous tip about this event. Inside the basement of the residence officers found around 30 partially clothed males covered in food, condiments and other liquids,” — Kipp Hartman, Madison police captain
- “The thermostat was also set to 81 degrees, creating a hot and humid environment,” — Kipp Hartman
What’s Next
The Madison Police Department has declared the investigation active and is soliciting information, offering an anonymous tip line and a potential monetary reward. The university’s Office of Student Conduct will conduct its own non-academic misconduct review, and the national fraternity has pledged to expel any members found guilty of criminal conduct. Legal or disciplinary outcomes will depend on the results of both investigations.