Columbus, Ohio – A Miami County man has admitted to carrying out a hate crime against Jewish students at The Ohio State University. Timur Mamatov, 20, of Tipp City, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to violating the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act after physically attacking two students because of their Jewish faith, resulting in serious injuries.
Brutal Assault Sparked by Religious Hatred
The incident took place on November 10, 2023, outside a bar on North High Street in Columbus. According to court documents, Mamatov and a friend got into a confrontation with five students. One of the students was visibly wearing a “Chai” pendant—a symbol often worn in the Jewish community. Upon noticing the necklace, Mamatov questioned the group, asking whether they were Jewish. When the students confirmed they were, the situation escalated into violence.
Mamatov punched one student in the face, fracturing the victim’s jaw. A second student also suffered significant injuries, including a fractured nose, as the fight spilled into the street. Authorities determined that the victims were targeted explicitly due to their religious identity.
The Department of Justice charged Mamatov via a bill of information on July 3, 2025. By entering a guilty plea, he acknowledged the religious motivation behind his violent actions—qualifying the offense as a hate crime under federal law.
Officials Condemn Antisemitic Violence
Multiple law enforcement and government officials expressed strong condemnation of the attack and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all individuals regardless of their faith.
“Violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This Department of Justice will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith.”
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II echoed this stance, saying, “Mamatov admitted in court today that he assaulted victims because they were Jewish. No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs. This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue violence motivated by hate.”
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola also emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, stating, “Antisemitic violence has no place in our society. Crimes motivated by hate spread fear throughout the community and deeply impact the sense of safety of all residents.”
The FBI worked in coordination with the Ohio State University Police Division and the Columbus Division of Police to investigate the attack.
Legal Consequences Ahead
Mamatov now faces up to 10 years in federal prison for violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. His guilty plea marks an important moment in the ongoing effort to hold perpetrators of hate-fueled violence accountable under the law.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of confronting antisemitism and hate crimes wherever they occur, ensuring that no community is left feeling unsafe because of their faith.
