Former Cornell Student Sentenced to Prison for Threatening Jewish Students

Patrick Dai, a 22-year-old former junior at Cornell University hailing from Pittsford, New York, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for using the internet to post threats of violence against others, including threats to kill or cause harm.

Patrick Dai has also been sentenced to three years of supervised release following his incarceration, which includes conditions such as a prohibition on contacting Cornell University, undergoing mental health treatment, and facing restrictions and monitoring of his electronic devices and internet usage.

Dai was found guilty of posting threats directed at Jewish students on campus. His menacing messages, including alarming threats of violence like shootings, bombings, stabbings, and beheadings targeting Jewish individuals, caused fear and disruption at Cornell University.

The officials involved in the case, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, stressed the importance of protecting students from intimidation and violence based on their identity. The sentencing of Dai serves as a reminder that those who spread hate and threats will be held accountable for their actions.

Law enforcement agencies including the FBI, New York State Police, and Cornell University Police Department worked together to identify Dai and ensure that he faced consequences for his actions. Their collaboration underscores the commitment to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes to safeguard communities from such alarming behavior.

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Superintendent Steven G. James of the New York State Police emphasized the zero-tolerance policy toward hate crimes, highlighting the importance of intercepting and prosecuting individuals who create fear and division based on identity or beliefs.