Two far-left extremists have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pennsylvania for allegedly attacking police with fireworks and smoke bombs at a University of Pittsburgh speaking event earlier this year.
Brian DiPippa, 36, and his wife Krystal DiPippa, 40, were present during a protest outside an event featuring Daily Wire contributor Michael Knowles this past April. Prosecutors have accused the couple of attacking attendees with smoke bombs at close range while they were waiting in line.
“Brian DiPippa ignited and dropped two homemade smoke bomb containers in and around a line of persons waiting to enter the O’Hara Student Center,” the indictment states.
The indictment further alleges that Brian DiPippa injured several Pitt Police officers by attacking them with fireworks as they formed a barrier to prevent protesters from gaining entry. “Brian DiPippa, concealed by his wife, Krystal DiPippa, ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of Pitt officers, causing a loud explosion and injuries to several officers,” the indictment continues.
Video footage of the aftermath of the explosion shows officers scrambling to clear the area. Protesters also burned a dummy with Knowles’ face pasted on and shut down several streets until Pitt Police cleared the area around 10 p.m.
Two #Antifa militants have been federally indicted in Pittsburgh over an explosive attack outside a @michaeljknowles event. Brian DiPippa & his wife, Krystal DiPippa, have been charged with using an explosive to commit a felony & conspiracy.
Pittsburgh & Philadelphia have large,… pic.twitter.com/8jDyIjZkx3
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) July 4, 2023
Both Brian and Krystal DiPippa are facing federal charges of conspiracy and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. Brian DiPippa is also being charged with using an explosive to commit a federal felony, which carries a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment.
“The university appreciates the diligence of law enforcement agencies that partnered on the investigation into the devices used during demonstrations on campus on April 18,” said Pitt spokesperson Jared Stonesifer in a statement Friday. “The arrest of the suspects today marks the next step in the process, and we will continue to fully collaborate with federal agencies.”