Court dates moved in Pullman assault case involving pro-Trump hat

Patrick Mahoney, 34, and Gerald Hoff, 24, face court appearances later this summer for allegedly assaulting a Washington State University student wearing pro-Trump attire. Both men have been charged with fourth-degree assault related to a confrontation on February 28, where Mahoney reportedly grabbed the student's hat and threw it into the road. In response, the student threw his food at Mahoney, who then allegedly slammed the student to the ground. Their court appearances are scheduled for July 24 and August 21, with attorneys anticipating a resolution or trial at these dates. Mahoney, a Ph.

D. student in the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, was relieved of his teaching duties following the incident, and Hoff was terminated from his job at the university. The incident occurred near The Coug restaurant, a popular student eatery on College Hill. This case underscores ongoing tensions regarding political expression on university campuses and the potential consequences for students and faculty involved. Assault charges in such contexts can have broader implications for campus climate and student safety.