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State College-area man accused of burning gay pride flag downtown during Pride Month
A Centre County man was arrested Saturday after he was accused of burning a gay pride flag hanging from a downtown church, yelling homophobic slurs at bystanders and damaging Pride decorations outside two businesses.
Markos S. Bejiga, 28, of Patton Township, was accused of burning the gay pride flag hanging from the front of Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave.
In a Facebook post, the Rev. Jes Kast encouraged the LGBTQ+ community to 'Stand firm in courage and joy, do not be afraid.' She also said she would pray for the person who committed the crime and hoped for peace.
'I pray for any who think this type of vandalism is morally ok. It isn't,' Kast wrote. 'I pray that whatever anger or distress you are experiencing that you receive loving support and I do pray you may understand that this action is wrong and we will not accept this as a community. Mercy and forgiveness await you.
'To all, please do not let these inflamed times promote violence. We all have a choice in how we respond and I beg us all to keep choosing the courage to love and the courage of peace. I beg us all, love your neighbor. It is the only way to the common good for all.'
Bejiga was also accused of damaging Pride decorations outside of Chumley's gay bar, 108 W. College Ave., and Cafe 210 West, 210 W. College Ave. He also climbed a streetlight pole in an attempt to burn a gay pride flag, borough police wrote in a press release Monday.
A Cafe 210 West employee told an officer Bejiga made a comment similar to 'get these f----- flags out of here,' police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. A woman also said Bejiga told her 'that is what's wrong with this country and that is why there is terrorists, it's because of you f------ f------.'
The string of alleged crimes were carried out Friday during Pride Month, an annual series of parades and other gatherings to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and rights.
The arrest came the same day thousands descended on the rainbow-colored downtown for State College Pride 2025. One man wore a T-shirt that read, 'I like my whiskey straight, but my friends can go either way.' Dog owners brought pets decked out in colorful bows and rainbow-colored tutus, while some attendees dyed their own hair in bright colors.
Grand Marshal Jacob Kelley, a non-binary drag queen whose alter ego is known as Trixy Valentine, said the gathering was about love, resilience, hope, power and a 'declaration that we are here.'
'It's not revolutionary that we exist. We've always been here,' they said. 'We're just tired of being ignored. We want to be seen, authentically, for who we are. We want to be heard loud and proud, beautiful and colorful, without changing who we have to be.'
Bejiga was charged with a felony count of risking catastrophe, a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct and three summary counts of criminal mischief. No defense lawyer was listed and the Centre County Public Defender Office said it had not been appointed to represent him as of Monday morning.
He was arraigned Saturday by District Judge Steven Lachman, who set bail at $10,000. Bejiga is incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Centre Daily Times senior reporter Josh Moyer contributed to this article.
