WSU Student Assaulted by University Instructor for Wearing Trump Hat
A Washington State University (WSU) student says he was assaulted outside a popular campus bar in February by an instructor and another university employee for wearing a hat supporting President Donald Trump.
WSU student Jay Sani said he was attacked by instructor Patrick Mahoney and Gerald Hoff after Mahoney forcibly took his red Trump hat which read “Trump 2024 Take America Back.” The altercation reportedly occurred outside The Coug, a well-known campus bar, and was captured on surveillance cameras.
According to Sani, Mahoney ripped the hat off his head and taunted him by saying “Go get it, b***h,” before repeatedly punching him in the back. Hoff then kicked Sani several times, while Mahoney grabbed him by the chest and slammed him to the ground. Sani said he was left with multiple bruises.
Pullman police located and interviewed Mahoney and Hoff within hours. Both men admitted to the attack.
Mahoney told police that he had seen Sani on campus before and knew he was a “right-wing dude.” He admitted that he grabbed his hat, threw it, and said “Go get it.”
Hoff admitted, “We did grab him and threw him to the ground.”
Despite their admissions, Mahoney claimed he did not hit Sani and said he didn’t believe he had done anything illegal. Police, however, emphasized that the incident involved unwanted physical contact. Mahoney also blamed Sani, telling officers he “got what’s coming to him.”
Both Mahoney and Hoff were arrested and charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor assault.
Sani said he did not know Hoff prior to the attack, but said past encounters with Mahoney may have contributed to the assault.
Sani is involved with conservative student groups on campus, including Turning Point USA, while Mahoney is described as a far-left graduate student who teaches a freshman political science course. Mahoney has been active in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the city and is linked to the Democratic Socialists of America and other progressive labor groups.
Mahoney also appears to be a public supporter of communism, as his official university photo includes him wearing a hammer and sickle pin.
“Mahoney’s goal is to turn this country into a communist dictatorship or a communist authoritarian system,” Sani explained.
Following the February incident, WSU temporarily suspended Mahoney from teaching. Sani is now speaking publicly after hearing that Mahoney may soon be reinstated.
“He really shouldn’t be teaching here in my opinion,” Sani explained. “Because you know, if you can’t tolerate different opinions…then what’s the point?”
WSU declined to comment on the matter. Hoff also did not comment but has been confirmed to be employed by the university.
Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk is scheduled to speak at WSU on April 17. The university is preparing for possible backlash from left-wing activists who oppose the presence of conservative voices being allowed on college campuses.
In a statement to Frontlines, Washington Congressman Michael Baumgartner said, “Our campuses should be places of free expression, not political violence. WSU must act swiftly to protect students and uphold the values of civility, safety, and constitutional freedom.”
