Huge twist in Gavin McKenna’s high-profile assault case drops!

Breaking news out of Centre County on Friday: prosecutors have announced they will be withdrawing the felony aggravated assault charge against Penn State men’s hockey star Gavin McKenna, per 6 News -

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“Prosecution will go forward with the misdemeanor Simple Assault and other summary charges as they relate to the serious injuries suffered by the victim,” the release said.

Also from the DA: the alleged victim did not lose a tooth or have fractures on both sides of his jaw, as the police stated in a sworn affidavit.

Officials say a review of video evidence indicates that McKenna “did not act with the intent to cause serious bodily harm nor did he recklessly act with extreme indifference to the value of human life.” Based on this assessment, the district attorney’s office concluded that the aggravated assault charge could not be sustained. He is still facing a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct.

McKenna, a projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, had previously faced multiple charges stemming from an alleged altercation outside a State College establishment last Saturday. He was initially charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. At the time, the felony alone carried a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

The decision to withdraw the top charge does not necessarily absolve McKenna of all legal matters, but it removes the most serious allegation in the case. His defense team had indicated that self-defense would play a central role in their legal strategy.

This development is a major turn in a case that has drawn national attention, given McKenna’s profile as one of the country’s top hockey prospects. Fans, teams, and the hockey world will now be watching closely as any remaining charges or potential civil matters unfold.