A federal search warrant describes two violent attacks near the Oceanside Pier in June 2025 involving men who allegedly identified themselves as “skinheads” during the assaults. According to the warrant, the suspects targeted an Asian American man and two Camp Pendleton Marines in separate incidents on the same evening, leading to pending charges of hate crimes, conspiracy, and violent interference with federally protected rights.
The warrant, which seeks access to the cellphone records of three suspects, indicates that the second attack was unprovoked and accompanied by racial slurs. While Oceanside police located two of the three suspects at Pier Plaza the night of the alleged attacks and a third was detained later at another location, no official charges have been filed as of the latest court filings. The suspects have told investigators they acted in self-defense.
Attack on Asian American Couple Near Oceanside Pier
The first assault occurred shortly after sunset near the Oceanside Pier, according to the federal search warrant. The victims were a husband and wife; the husband, 21, is described in the document as dark-skinned and identifying as Asian American.
The warrant states that the attackers yelled racial slurs before the physical assault began. One suspect allegedly asked the victims, “Didn’t you hear my friend talking to you? Don’t you know who we are? We’re skinheads.”
Witnesses told investigators that the suspects repeatedly punched the man before slamming his head into a concrete restroom wall multiple times. While the wife was not injured, the husband suffered severe head injuries. According to the warrant, the victim experienced memory loss for several weeks following the attack, leaving him unable to recall the names of family members or common household objects.
Assault of Camp Pendleton Marines
Minutes after the first incident, a second attack took place at Pier Plaza targeting two Marines from Camp Pendleton, one white and one black. Investigators characterized this attack as unprovoked.
The warrant alleges that the suspects shouted racial slurs, specifically using the word “n——r” multiple times, and told the Marines, “you ain’t gonna do s—t.” The document notes that the Marines did not respond to the taunts.
Security camera footage included in the investigation shows two of the three suspects approaching the Marines from a staircase. The warrant states the Marines were punched, beaten, and kicked, resulting in severe injuries.
Evidence and Federal Investigation Details
Federal investigators are currently seeking cellphone records for the three suspects to determine if the attacks were coordinated. The warrant specifies that all three suspects use phone numbers with 951 area codes.
Investigators believe the devices contain evidence of the suspects’ movements and communications before and during the attacks. Additionally, the investigation notes that one of the alleged attackers has a prominent skinhead tattoo on his arm.
Oceanside police located two of the suspects at Pier Plaza on the night of the attacks, while a third was detained later at a different location. All three men claimed to officers that their actions were a matter of self-defense.
Current Legal Status and Pending Charges
Although the suspects are not yet officially charged, the federal warrant notes that charges for hate crimes and conspiracy are pending. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance video, witness statements, and digital evidence to evaluate the suspects’ claims of self-defense.