A former junior at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, named Patrick Dai, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for making threats against Jewish students and their babies. The Department of Justice announced that Dai, 22 years old from Pittsford, New York, will also have three years of supervised release and has to pay a special assessment of $100.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that every student should be able to pursue their education without the fear of violence based on their identity, appearance, origin, or religion. She stated that antisemitic threats like the ones made by Dai violate this right and that those who threaten and intimidate others based on their religious background will be held accountable.
Dai admitted to posting threatening messages on an online forum at Cornell University on October 28 and 29, 2023, which led to his arrest on October 31. The criminal complaint revealed that he used usernames like “kill jews,” “hamas soldier,” and “sieg heil” to make his threatening posts. Dai mentioned bringing an assault rifle to campus, shooting Jewish students, and beheading their babies in his messages.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman for the Northern District of New York highlighted that Dai’s actions were considered a hate crime under federal Sentencing Guidelines because he targeted Jewish students and significantly disrupted the university’s ability to educate its students. She mentioned that Dai’s threats caused fear and unease within the Cornell campus community.
The sentencing of Dai to 21 months in prison serves as a reminder that such threats and acts of violence, especially based on religious background, will not be tolerated. It is essential to ensure the safety and security of all students on campus to maintain a conducive learning environment for everyone. The consequences of making such threats extend beyond personal actions and have a broader impact on the entire community.
