New body camera video reveals details in alleged assault over Trump hat at WSU
By: Pullman, WA - Newly released body camera footage from Pullman Police offers the first look at both sides of a confrontation between two Washington State University students that led to an assault charge.
The video shows graduate student Patrick Mahoney admitting to throwing a fellow student’s Trump hat and later striking him during the altercation. KREM 2 obtained the police body camera video through a public records request.
The alleged attack happened in February on Pullman's College Hill. WSU student Jay Sani told officers Mahoney grabbed his Trump "Take Back America" hat and threw it into the street. Sani said he retaliated by throwing food at Mahoney, after which the situation escalated.
“He slammed my head against the concrete, and then walked away, and then he told me to ‘F-off,’” Sani said in the footage. “I get it...some people might find this sensitive, but this is 2025. It’s just a hat.”
Officers located Mahoney in downtown Pullman later that night, where he shared his version of events. He admitted to throwing the hat but said he believed that would be the end of it.
“I admit to touching his hat,” Mahoney said. “I didn't hit him, right? Like, I didn't do anything to him. As soon as I turn around, he hit me, right?”
When asked by officers how he was hit, Mahoney said he couldn’t recall exactly, describing it as either a “body check” or a “grab.” However, he later acknowledged that he struck Sani in the jaw.
Mahoney is charged with fourth-degree assault.
WSU spokesperson Phil Weiler emphasizes the university’s code of conduct prioritizes respectful dialogue on campus.
“There’s no place on our campus for people who may be disrespectful, may be unwilling to let people express their views,” Weiler said.
He said the those who violate the code of conduct are held accountable by what the university deems an appropriate action.
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