A 20-year-old Ohio man has pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges after assaulting two Jewish students near Ohio State University last fall, leaving them with broken bones and a community on edge.
Timur Mamatov of Tipp City admitted to violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act for the November 2023 attack, which prosecutors say was explicitly motivated by the victims’ religion. The assault occurred amid rising concerns about antisemitism on college campuses nationwide.
According to court documents, the confrontation unfolded outside a bar on North High Street in Columbus on November 10. Mamatov and a friend approached five students, one of whom was wearing a “Chai” pendant — jewelry commonly associated with Judaism. After confirming the students were Jewish, Mamatov threw a punch that fractured one victim’s jaw. A second student suffered a broken nose as the altercation spilled into the street.
A Clear Hate Crime
In court, Mamatov didn’t mince words about his motivation. He explicitly acknowledged targeting the students “because of the students’ actual or perceived religion,” according to the plea agreement. He also agreed to pay $780.12 in restitution to cover the victims’ medical expenses.
“No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue violence motivated by hate.”
The consequences could be severe. Violating the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years behind bars. The final punishment will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Broader Impact
What happens when hate crimes target religious communities? Officials say the damage extends far beyond the immediate victims.
“These college students were targeted by Mr. Mamatov simply because they were Jewish,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Hate crimes not only impact the victims but have a devastating impact on our entire community.”
The case comes during a period of heightened tensions and increased reports of antisemitism nationwide. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized that “violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable,” adding that the Department “will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith.”
The FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office handled the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Litton and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuting the case.
For the Jewish community at Ohio State and beyond, the guilty plea represents accountability — but also serves as a stark reminder of the persistent reality of religious-based violence that continues to shadow American campuses and communities.
