PITTSBURGH, PA. – A husband and wife from Pittsburgh have been sentenced in federal court for obstructing law enforcement during a chaotic protest at the University of Pittsburgh in 2023.
Brian DiPippa, 37, received a five-year prison sentence, while his wife, Krystal DiPippa, 42, was sentenced to three years of probation. The couple was also ordered to pay over $50,000 in restitution to the University of Pittsburgh and a University of Pittsburgh police officer who suffered injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, the DiPippas participated in a protest on the university campus in April 2023.
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Brian DiPippa ignited and threw two homemade smoke devices into a crowd waiting to enter a building for a scheduled event. He then threw a large explosive firework at a group of police officers who were attempting to maintain order, causing injuries to several officers.
“The DiPippas conspired to injure law enforcement officers and cause chaos at a college campus protest,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “They attacked brave men and women who were trying to maintain order and protect the attendees. Today’s sentencings—and particularly the years of incarceration imposed on Brian DiPippa—should serve as a deterrent for anyone who would consider engaging in such outrageous and dangerous conduct in the future.”
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“The individuals sentenced today deployed explosive devices that injured police officers who were working to maintain order and protect public safety,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “These sentencings send a clear message that the FBI and our partners will use all available tools to bring to justice those who seek to injure, maim, or attack law enforcement officers. The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners across the country stand committed to our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.”
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