A former teaching assistant at Washington State University has been sentenced to jail for assaulting a student over a pro-Trump hat. Patrick Mahoney, 34, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault and received a sentence of seven days in jail, followed by one year of probation, along with mandatory mental health treatment and restitution payments.
The attack took place on February 28, 2025, near a campus bar. The victim, Jay Sani, a student leader of the WSU College Republicans, was wearing a bright red hat with the slogan “Trump 2024 – TAKE AMERICA BACK.” Mahoney forcibly removed the hat from Sani’s head and threw it into the street. When Sani tossed a food bag in response, Mahoney, along with research assistant Gerald Hoff, tackled the student and struck him repeatedly.
Both Mahoney and Hoff were fired by Washington State University after the incident. Sani suffered minor injuries, including bruises and a swollen lip. The court ordered Mahoney to pay $30 in restitution to Sani and more than $560 to the Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program. Hoff’s charges were reduced, and he was sentenced to pay restitution but avoided jail time.
During sentencing on August 21, Judge John Hart emphasized that Mahoney’s role as an educator should have demanded tolerance and respect for diverse viewpoints. Hart said the assault was “unprovoked” and represented a “concerning set of circumstances.” He also stated that the incident undermined the principles of academic freedom and civil discourse.
Sani spoke in court, highlighting that the case was not merely about a physical altercation, but about protecting students’ rights to express their political beliefs without fear. He called for the maximum sentence, stating that “freedom of speech means nothing if others can physically attack you for using it.”
Washington State University reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and stated it does not tolerate violence or threats in any form. The incident has reignited debate over political intolerance on college campuses, especially toward conservative students.
