PITTSBURGH — A husband and wife were sentenced for obstructing law enforcement during a public gathering and protest on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus in 2023.
The Department of Justice said Brian DiPippa, 37, and Krystal DiPippa, 42, both of Pittsburgh, were sentenced in federal court. Brian was sentenced to five years in prison and Krystal to three years of probation.
The DiPippas also were ordered to jointly pay restitution to the University of Pittsburgh in the amount of $1,400, along with $47,284 to a University of Pittsburgh Police officer for financial damages the officer suffered from injuries caused by the DiPippas’s actions.
Officials said the DiPippas participated in a protest on Pitt’s campus in April 2023. During the protest, Brian ignited and dropped two homemade incendiary smoke devices in and around a line of people waiting to go into a building for a scheduled event featuring guest speakers.
When university police officers gathered and formed a barrier to prevent protesters from entering the back of the building, Brian, concealed by Krystal, ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of officers, which caused a loud explosion and injured several officers, officials said.
“The DiPippas conspired to injure law enforcement officers and cause chaos at a college campus protest,” said U.S. Attorney Eric 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.”
“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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