WSU Instructor Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting Student Over Trump Hat

PULLMAN, Wash. — A Washington State University (WSU) instructor is facing charges after he allegedly assaulted a student for wearing a red “Take America Back” hat supporting former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred late in the evening on February 28, prompting an immediate police investigation.

According to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital, Patrick Mahoney, a WSU instructor and PhD student in the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, confronted student Jay Sani as he was walking to a nearby restaurant. The report states that Mahoney grabbed Sani’s hat and threw it into the street while taunting him with the words, “Go get it, b—-.” Sani reported that he was attacked when he attempted to defend himself, with Mahoney allegedly slamming his head into the ground.

The police report indicates that a second individual, identified as Gerald Hoff, also participated in the assault, taking Sani to the ground and allegedly punching him. Sani, who sustained injuries including a laceration to his elbow, informed police that Mahoney admitted to punching him in the jaw while he was on the ground.

Witnesses corroborated Sani’s account, stating they observed Mahoney pushing Sani and throwing food at him during the altercation. Following the incident, officers located Mahoney and Hoff in downtown Pullman, where they were arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor in Washington state.

During questioning, Mahoney reportedly referred to Sani as “ol’ boy” and expressed disdain for his political views, acknowledging prior encounters with him on campus. He told police that by wearing the hat, Sani was inviting confrontation. In an ironic twist, Mahoney stated, “If you wanna wear the hat, hey, there’s gonna be a price to pay,” copying the aggression he said he faced regarding his own political beliefs.

After the police investigation, WSU confirmed that Mahoney was suspended and relieved of his teaching responsibilities. A university spokesperson stated they could not disclose further details due to federal privacy laws. Hoff, who was also an hourly employee at the university, was terminated following the investigation.

Sani, a junior and member of the Turning Point USA conservative group, stated his motivation to go public with his experience was to raise awareness of the hostility directed at conservative students on campus. He reflected on the ongoing societal issues relating to free speech and political discourse, claiming that individuals should have the freedom to express their political opinions without fear of violence. He noted, “We have the First Amendment, and it’s not okay that just because you don’t like that person, I should be attacked for it.”

As the case develops, it continues to raise questions about political intolerance in academic environments. Sani mentioned his hopes that the university will firmly stand against acts of violence tied to differing political views, stating, “If people can’t have a simple conversation without throwing punches, then what does that say about the state of our universities?” The upcoming Turning Point USA event, featuring conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adds to the current atmosphere of tension on campus.