Federal authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a pro-Palestine activist who is accused of vandalizing and attempting to burn down a government defense contractor building in Centre County earlier this year.
Investigators say on June 4, the unidentified suspect allegedly spray-painted pro-Palestine graffiti on the side of the U.S. Department of Defense contractor building, which is located along Science Park Road, in Ferguson Township.
Authorities say the graffiti included several pro-Palestine phrases, such as“FOR THE MARTYRS,” “ESCALATE 4 RAFAH,” and “FREE PALESTINE.”
Federal officials say the suspect then allegedly attempted to enter the building but fled after being confronted by security.
Investigators say a few days later, during the early morning hours of June 9, the same individual returned to the building and again spray-painted graffiti, including the phrase “INTIFADA IS HERE,” and an inverted red triangle indicating the “rising” is here.
Authorities say the suspect then began pouring a flammable liquid near the building before lighting it and fleeing the scene.
Investigators note that the area around the building includes a compressed natural gas pipeline, a natural gas generator, and a nearby transformer.
Officials say the suspect is described as being white, between 5’9” and 6’0″ tall, with longer blond or light brown hair, and with a shoe size between men’s 10 and 11 or women’s 12 and 13.
Anyone with information is asked to contact your local FBI field office.
The agency is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.
