State College Man Arrested for Burning Pride Flag, Damaging Decorations Downtown

Markos S. Bejiga, a 28-year-old man from Patton Township, was arrested in State College, Pennsylvania, for burning a Pride flag outside Faith United Church of Christ and damaging Pride decorations at local LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, including Chumley’s and Cafe 210 West. He also shouted homophobic slurs at bystanders and attempted to set another Pride flag on fire by climbing a streetlight pole. Bejiga faces multiple charges, including a felony count of causing or risking catastrophe, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and summary counts of criminal mischief. The incidents occurred during Pride Month, coinciding with the annual State College Pride parade and festival, which drew thousands. Reverend Jes Kast of Faith United Church called for courage and peace within the community and offered prayers for both the LGBTQ+ community and Bejiga, emphasizing forgiveness and love. Local LGBTQ+ advocates, such as Fermin Almeida from Centre LGBT+, expressed determination to publicly oppose hate and ensure protections for their community.