The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania announced on Monday that two individuals associated with Antifa received prison sentences and probation for using an explosive firework that injured police officers during a protest at the University of Pittsburgh in 2023.
As detailed in a Department of Justice press release, U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan sentenced 37-year-old Brian DiPippa to five years in prison, while his 42-year-old wife, Krystal DiPippa, was sentenced to three years of probation. The couple is also ordered to pay $1,400 in restitution to the University of Pittsburgh and $47,284 to a University of Pittsburgh Police officer for damages resulting from the injuries sustained during the incident.
The press release from Monday specified that the “DiPippas took part in an April 2023 protest on the University of Pittsburgh campus. During the event, Brian ignited and dropped two homemade incendiary smoke devices among a crowd lined up to enter a building hosting scheduled guest speakers.”
READ MORE: FBI averts ‘mass casualty’ bomb attack plot against Israeli consulate in NYC
According to The Post Millennial, the event referenced was a talk on “Womanhood and Transgenderism” by Daily Wire host Michael Knowles, held on April 18, 2023.
The press release went on to state, “As university police officers formed a barrier to prevent protesters from entering the rear of the venue, Brian, hidden by Krystal, ignited and hurled a large explosive firework into the group of officers, resulting in a loud detonation and injuries to multiple officers.”
The Post Millennial indicated that the Torch Antifa Network confirmed Brian and Krystal DiPippa as members of the group following Brian’s arrest after the April 2023 protest incident.
“The DiPippas plotted to harm law enforcement officers and create disorder at a college campus protest,” U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan stated in Monday’s press release. “They attacked courageous individuals working to maintain order and ensure the safety of attendees. Today’s sentencing—particularly the lengthy prison term imposed on Brian DiPippa—should act as a strong warning for anyone contemplating engaging in such reckless and hazardous behavior in the future.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek remarked that the sentences handed to Brian and Krystal DiPippa send “a clear message that the FBI and our partners will leverage all available resources to pursue justice against those who aim to injure or attack law enforcement officers.”
Images of Brian and Krystal DiPippa have circulates on X, formerly known as Twitter.
