The University of New Hampshire’s oldest building was vandalized with the phrase “UNH FUNDS GENOCIDE” early Tuesday morning.

An individual in an oversized white sweatshirt, black pants, and a facemask was captured on security camera footage at 3:58 a.m. spray painting the phrase onto the front doors of Thompson Hall. As of Tuesday afternoon, the individual had not been identified, university spokesperson Tania deLuzuriaga said.

The steps to the building and the semi-circle surrounding the flag pole in front of Thompson Hall were also covered in red paint.

The location of the vandalism – in the heart of UNH’s campus – has been the site of recent pro-Palestine protests, including a May 1 demonstration in which 12 people were arrested by UNH police.

“I just can’t fathom that anyone who thinks that putting paint on buildings and on walls is any way helping the people of Gaza,” UNH president James Dean told WMUR, who first reported the vandalism.

“This is a sad day for UNH,” Dean said in a message to the university community. “It is incredibly unfortunate that some feel they should damage our beautiful, historic campus to make their point. This action does nothing to make people more sympathetic to a cause. Instead, it unnecessarily prevents many members of our community from being able to enjoy and access a very special space at what should be a joyful time in the academic year.”

UNH’s commencement ceremonies are scheduled for this weekend.

Dean asked anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the university’s Civil Rights and Equity Office via its Incident Report Form.