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.
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.
Hellbound and Down 