United States of America v. Brian DiPippa; Krystal DiPippa

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendants charged with Obstructing Law Enforcement During Campus Protest

Pittsburgh Couple Sentenced for Obstructing Law Enforcement During Campus Protest

Brian DiPippa, 37, and his wife Krystal DiPippa, 42, a husband and wife from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were convicted of obstructing law enforcement during a 2023 public gathering and protest.



The DiPippas participated in an April 2023 protest on the University of Pittsburgh campus, during which Brian ignited and dropped two homemade incendiary smoke devices in and around a line of people waiting to enter a building for a scheduled event featuring guest speakers. When university police officers gathered and formed a barrier to prevent protesters from entering the rear of the building, Brian, concealed by Krystal, ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of officers, causing a loud explosion and injuries to several officers.



"The DiPippas conspired to injure law enforcement officers and cause chaos at a college campus protest,” said U.S. Attorney 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.”



Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.



United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, of which the University of Pittsburgh Police is a member; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the DiPippas.