Violence Over a Red MAGA Hat: A Night at WSU
It was a cold February night in 2025 when Jay Sani, an Indian-American engineering student at Washington State University, stepped out wearing his red MAGA hat. No one expected trouble, but trouble found him—big time.
As Jay strolled along, two men came up on him. One was Patrick Mahoney, a university instructor known for backing Palestinian causes, and the other was Gerald Hoff, a graduate student and TA. Things escalated fast. According to security footage, Mahoney lunged at Jay, yanking the MAGA hat right off his head. Hoff wasn’t far behind, and soon Jay was on the ground, fists flying and his head bleeding.
Jay wasted no time reporting the attack to the police. Even more outrageous? Both Mahoney and Hoff admitted to their actions on camera, yet they had the nerve to claim that Jay “provoked” them. Talk about a blatant attempt to shift blame.
Turning Point USA Frontlines reporter Jonathan Choe later dropped some hard-hitting body cam footage showing the attackers admitting everything.
As the video spread like wildfire, pressure on WSU skyrocketed. In early March, the fallout was swift. Mahoney was fired, ending his career at the university, and Hoff was stripped of his teaching assistant duties. It was a clear message: campus violence and blatant attacks on free expression won’t be tolerated.
Phil Weiler, WSU Vice President for Marketing and Communications, summed up the university’s stance in a statement:
“Washington State University (WSU) is aware of an off-campus incident that occurred last February involving a WSU staff member and a graduate student. 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.”
“In compliance with federal privacy laws, no further details regarding the matter will be disclosed.”
“WSU remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We take every complaint and concern seriously and will continue to address such matters with the utmost priority.”
This incident leaves no doubt: standing up for your beliefs—even if it means donning a red MAGA hat—can come at a heavy price when extremist aggression is allowed to run amok. Stay alert, stay strong, and never back down in the fight for free speech.
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