Cornell University Student Arrested for Threatening Jewish Community, Due in Court Today
A Cornell University student has been arrested and charged with making threats against the school’s Jewish community. The student, identified as 21-year-old Patrick Dai, was charged with “posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications,” according to the US Attorney’s Office for New York’s Northern District.
Dai is scheduled to appear in federal court in Syracuse today, where he will face up to five years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege that Dai made threats to kill and injure Cornell’s Jewish students and “shoot up” the university’s predominantly kosher dining hall, 104 West, in posts made on an online discussion forum. The posts, written under usernames referencing Hamas, included anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans.
The arrest comes as incidents of antisemitism have spiked across the United States amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Anti-Defamation League reported a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents in the days following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. FBI Director Christopher Wray has described antisemitism in the country as reaching “historic levels.”
Dai allegedly made the threats from the Ithaca, New York, area, where Cornell’s campus is located, and admitted to posting them in an interview with the FBI. Authorities are investigating whether Dai will face both state and federal charges.
Following the threats, Cornell University police increased patrols and security measures for Jewish students and organizations on campus. The university, where Jewish students make up about 22% of the student body, according to Hillel organization, has also offered remote learning options for classes amid concerns for people’s safety.
In response to the incident, Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack released a statement condemning antisemitism and stating that the school “will not tolerate” such acts. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed concern for the emotional toll these hate crimes are taking on residents and vowed to take strong action against perpetrators.
The case highlights the need to combat hatred and bigotry on college campuses and in society as a whole. The Biden administration announced new measures this week to address antisemitic incidents on US college campuses. The incident at Cornell follows similar acts of pro-Palestinian vandalism in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Rhode Island.
As Dai’s court appearance approaches, the Cornell community and the broader public will be watching closely to see how justice is served and what consequences will be imposed upon those who threaten the safety and well-being of others based on their religious or ethnic background.