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State College Police Release Video Of ‘Persons Of Interest’ In MLK Plaza Vandalism Investigation

The State College Police Department released new video footage Thursday of the “persons of interest” being investigated in connection with last week’s defacement of Fraser Street’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mural.

The video, which can be viewed below via YouTube, shows the same individuals originally depicted in still photographs released by the department earlier this week. The footage shows three masked persons, some carrying bags, exiting the nearby Fraser Street Parking Garage.

State College police are currently offering a $3,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals behind the vandalism. An anonymous local business owner and his wife, as well as members of the Downtown State College Rotary Club, donated funds to increase the reward up from $1,000.

Anyone with information regarding the case, which the department called a “hate crime investigation,” can contact the department by calling (814) 234-7150, sending an email, or submitting an anonymous tip online.

Last Friday, the logo of a white supremacist organization was spray-painted on Fraser Street’s Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, which depicts the late reverend’s visit to Penn State in 1965. The vandalism was removed mere hours later.

That orgnization, classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, also vandalized property in the borough and in Bellefonte back in January.

“Attacks through hate and hate based symbolism have no place in the Borough of State College and will not be tolerated,” a police statement said Thursday. “The SCPD and Borough government overall are extremely appreciative of all who have spoken out against this senseless act of hate and vandalism and are especially grateful to the two entities who offered to increase the reward.”

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About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

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