A disturbing case in Columbus, Ohio, has reached the courts after a young man admitted to attacking Jewish students outside a popular bar near Ohio State University.
The assault, fueled by religious hate, has now been officially classified as a federal hate crime.
What the Attacker Admitted to in Court
The defendant, 20-year-old Timur Mamatov from Tipp City, Ohio, pleaded guilty to violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
He confessed to physically assaulting two Jewish students simply because of their religion, leaving both of them with serious injuries.
Justice Department Speaks Out
Federal officials strongly condemned the attack. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said, “Violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable.”
She stressed that the Justice Department will continue to enforce federal laws that protect religious freedom and safety.
Backing this up, U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio emphasized that no American should have to fear being attacked because of their faith.
He pledged that his office, together with law enforcement partners, will go after anyone who engages in hate-driven violence.
The FBI also weighed in. Assistant Director Jose A. Perez noted that hate crimes don’t just affect the victims but shake entire communities.
He said the agency will continue to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for victims.
How the Incident Happened
Court documents reveal the attack took place on November 10, 2023, outside a bar on North High Street in Columbus.
Mamatov, who was with a friend, confronted five students. One of them wore a “Chai” pendant, a symbol linked to Jewish faith.
After confirming the students were Jewish, Mamatov became violent.
He punched one victim in the face, fracturing his jaw, and left another with a broken nose as the fight spilled into the street.
The Legal Process and Possible Punishment
Mamatov was formally charged on July 3 through a bill of information. Now that he has pleaded guilty, the next step is sentencing.
Under federal law, violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The final sentence will be decided by a federal district court judge, who will weigh the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Who Is Handling the Case
The FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office is leading the investigation.
Prosecutors include Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Litton from the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
