A Tucson man was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison earlier this week for threatening to commit a mass shooting at the University of Arizona last year.
27-year-old Michael Pengchung Lee pleaded guilty in April to “Interstate Threats” for transmitting threats through online communication. Court documents reveal Lee sent threatening messages via Snapchat to a group chat containing members of university fraternities and sororities on October 22nd, 2023.
Prosecutors allege Lee’s messages referenced “incel” ideology, a misogynistic online subculture linked to violence against women. The statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office further claims Lee referenced a known “incel” associated with a previous mass shooting.
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Lee was arrested within three days of sending the threats. As part of his sentence, he will be subject to three years of supervised release upon release from prison.
Additionally, Lee will be barred from setting foot on the University of Arizona campus or contacting any university officials during his supervised release.
The University of Arizona, in a separate statement, commended law enforcement’s swift response and reiterated their commitment to student safety. The university also emphasized resources available to students who may feel threatened or unsafe.
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