On a chilly February night in 2025, Jay Sani, an Indian-American student at Washington State University, stepped out of a bar wearing his red MAGA hat. The 28-year-old engineering student didn’t expect the night to take a violent turn, but it did.
According to reports, as Jay walked, two figures approached him. Patrick Mahoney, a university instructor and vocal proponent of Palestinian causes, and Gerald Hoff, a graduate student and teaching assistant.
It is unclear what sparked the confrontation, but words were exchanged and, as seen on security footage, Mahoney lunged at Jay, ripping the hat from his head. Hoff joined in, and Jay was shoved to the ground as fists flew.
The security footage shows the two men throwing Sani to the ground, and while he lay bleeding, kicking him while he was defenseless.
EXCLUSIVE: Frontlines reporter @choeshow has obtained surveillance footage showing Washington State University (WSU) PhD student instructor Patrick Mahoney and WSU employee Gerald Hoff attacking engineering student Jay Sani.
Sani claims that Mahoney and Hoff assaulted him… pic.twitter.com/AhNae3FDMT
— FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) April 15, 2025
Sani reported the incident to police and, when questioned, Mahoney and Hoff admitted to the attack, though they attempted to blame Sani for the attack, claiming the student “provoked” them.
Turning Point USA Frontlines reporter Jonathan Choe shared body cam video of the two attackers admitting to the incident.
EXCLUSIVE: Here is the entire body cam footage showing the interview and arrest of former Washington State University(@WSUPullman) graduate student and communist instructor Patrick Mahoney. He was just fired by the school after our reporting.
He’s now charged with assaulting an… https://t.co/RUa1BJx1Qn pic.twitter.com/b0RtTQkb9P— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) April 17, 2025
Mahoney and Hoff were arrested and charged with assault.
As the video went viral, pressure mounted on WSU to act. Finally, in early March, Mahoney was fired, his teaching career at WSU over. Hoff was stripped of his teaching assistant duties.
Phil Weiler, WSU Vice President for Marketing and Communications, released the following 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.”
