Patrick Dai, a 22-year-old former student at Cornell University, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for posting threats against Jewish students. Along with the prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment. Dai’s online threats, which included violent language directed at Jewish individuals, were made on October 28 and 29, 2023, through an online discussion forum dedicated to Cornell, creating a climate of fear on campus.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe educational environment free from violence and intimidation. She stated that threats motivated by antisemitism violate the fundamental right of students to pursue their education without fear. The Justice Department remains committed to holding accountable those who engage in hate crimes and ensuring that all Americans are protected against bias-motivated offenses.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman noted that Dai’s actions constituted a hate crime under federal Sentencing Guidelines, significantly disrupting the university’s core mission of education. The court acknowledged the terror inflicted on the Cornell community by Dai’s threats, which undermined students’ sense of safety. Freedman pledged to continue the aggressive investigation and prosecution of hate crimes motivated by antisemitism and other forms of hatred.
Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office reiterated the alarming nature of Dai’s threats, which targeted the Jewish community based on their beliefs. The swift response by law enforcement, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and local police, led to Dai’s quick identification and arrest. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to ensuring that college campuses and communities are free from hate-fueled violence.
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