Madison police arrest two men following fraternity hazing investigation

Madison police arrested two 20-year-old men, Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, following a hazing investigation at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The arrests occurred after officers responded to an anonymous tip and discovered approximately 30 pledges in a sweltering basement. The individuals were reportedly injured and covered in food, condiments, and other liquids.

The fraternity chapter had been unrecognized by the university since 2015 but continued to operate through its national organization.

A news segment by WISN 12 reporter TJ Dysart covering the incident went viral on social media. In the footage, a student responded to a question regarding involvement in the hazing by saying, “Relax, pal,” before walking away. The exchange has since become a widespread internet meme on platforms like TikTok.