Former Cornell Student Sentenced for Online Threats Against Jewish Students

Cornell Clock TowerPhoto byPhoto by David Yu:

The Department Justice announced a former Cornell University student, Patrick Dai, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison after pleading guilty to posting violent threats against Jewish students online. The threats, made in October 2023, targeted the university’s Center for Jewish Living and other Jewish students, causing widespread fear and alarm on campus.

Dai's sentencing highlights the serious consequences of using the internet to spread hate and intimidation. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the Justice Department is committed to combating hate crimes and protecting all communities from such vile acts of violence.

Dai's threats, which were made via an anonymous social media platform, included specific plans to commit acts of violence against Jewish students, leading to heightened security measures at Cornell University. The case has underscored the ongoing threat posed by online hate speech and the importance of swift legal action to prevent violence and protect vulnerable communities.

In addition to the prison sentence, Dai will also face a period of supervised release following his time in custody. The sentence serves as a warning that hate-fueled threats, whether made in person or online, will be met with severe legal repercussions.

This case is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to address rising anti-Semitism and hate crimes in the country. The prosecution was handled by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, which has been actively pursuing cases involving threats and acts of violence motivated by racial, religious, or ethnic bias.