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Washington State University Instructor Terminated After Alleged Assault on Student
Pullman, WA – A Washington State University (WSU) instructor has been dismissed from their position following an incident involving the alleged physical assault of a student wearing a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat. The university confirmed the termination after an investigation into the off-campus altercation that occurred in late February.
Incident Details Emerge
Patrick Mahoney, a PhD student and instructor at WSU, and another graduate student, Gerald Hoff, were involved in an encounter with student Jay Sani near the Pullman campus on February 28. According to reports and video footage, Mahoney and Hoff reportedly removed a MAGA hat from Sani before the situation escalated.
Video Footage Depicts Physical Altercation
Disturbing video footage of the incident appears to show Sani, identified as an Indian-American student, being forced to the ground and repeatedly struck by the two men. Sani, an engineering student, reported suffering scrapes and bruises as a result of the assault and filed a police report with local authorities.
University Responds with Termination
Following the police investigation and in accordance with university policy, WSU announced that Mahoney has been “relieved of all teaching responsibilities,” which later evolved into the termination of his employment. The university issued a statement confirming these actions:
“Washington State University is aware of an off-campus incident that occurred last February involving a WSU staff member and a graduate student.
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“After an investigation conducted by the City of Pullman’s police department, and in accordance with WSU policies, the staff member’s employment has been terminated.
“The second individual involved was a graduate student serving as a teaching assistant. He was not a Washington State University professor. This person has been relieved of all teaching responsibilities.”
Police Bodycam Footage Reveals Admissions
Police bodycam footage, initially obtained by Turning Point USA Frontlines reporter Jonathan Choe, captured the aftermath of the incident. In the footage, both Mahoney and Hoff reportedly admitted to being involved in the altercation, although they appeared to downplay the severity of their actions.
Instructor’s Account
Mahoney is heard stating in the bodycam footage: “I’ve seen this guy f*****g on campus before. I know he’s like, f*****g like, right-wing dude. I, like, grabbed his hat, threw it, and I said like, ‘Go get it.'”
Graduate Student’s Admission
Hoff acknowledged a physical aspect to the encounter, stating: “We did grab him and bring him to the ground.”
Accusations and Charges
Mahoney, identified as a PhD candidate in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs who taught an introductory politics course, reportedly attempted to shift blame for the altercation onto Sani. Despite his claims, Mahoney and Hoff were arrested and subsequently charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor assault in connection with the incident.
Victim’s Perspective
Sani, in an interview with Turning Point USA, indicated that while he did not know Hoff prior to the incident, he believed previous interactions with Mahoney may have contributed to the alleged assault. Sani recounted the events, stating:
“[Mahoney] said to me, ‘Go get it b***h.’ He punched me a bunch of times on the back.”
“Gerald also kicked me a bunch of times too. Patrick, he grabbed my chest and slammed it on the concrete as I was falling.”
In a social media post, Sani further described the event: “A fight ensued which resulted in Jay Sani being thrown onto the concrete. This caused Jay Sani to bleed and suffer further injuries. One or more of them then proceeded to kick Jay Sani while he collapsed on the concrete.”
Political Context
Sani is reportedly involved with conservative student groups at Washington State University, including Turning Point USA. Mahoney has been described as a far-left graduate student with a history of activism, including participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and advocating for local political resolutions.