In a horrific incident that sent shockwaves through Cornell University, a 21-year-old junior, Patrick Dai, has been arrested for making online threats targeting Jewish students.
This incident has raised concerns about the rise in antisemitism and the need for stricter measures against hate crimes on campuses.
Patrick Dai, a Cornell University junior, was charged with posting threats to rape, kill, or injure Jewish students using interstate communications.
Federal prosecutors in the Northern District of New York have accused him of making disturbing threats in an online discussion board.
Read: Cornell Prof Doubles Down After Calling Hamas Attacks ‘Exhilarating’ And ‘Energizing’
Dai allegedly threatened to “shoot up” a campus building and expressed intentions to harm Jewish men and women, even going as far as mentioning beheading Jewish babies.
According to information provided by Cornell University Police and other public information, 104 West is a Cornell University dining hall that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is located next to the Cornell Jewish Center, which provides residences for Cornell students.
In another post, Dai allegedly threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of any Jewish males he sees on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish females, and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig jews.”
An affidavit attached to the criminal complaint states that the posts were written under usernames that referenced Hamas and used pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli slogans.
These threats were attributed to Dai himself, as he admitted to making them during an interview with the FBI.
If convicted, Patrick Dai could face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The seriousness of the charges reflects the gravity of the threats made and the need to address antisemitism on college campuses.
Cornell University officials were quick to respond to the threats made by Patrick Dai.
Escalation of Antisemitic Incidents
The Cornell University case is not an isolated incident but part of a larger surge in antisemitic threats and incidents across the United States. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East has further fueled tensions, leading to an alarming increase in antisemitic acts. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents in the US rose nearly 400% after the attack on Israel by Hamas. FBI Director Christopher Wray described the current levels of antisemitism as reaching “historic levels.”
Vandalism and Fear in Jewish Communities
Antisemitic incidents have extended beyond threats, with reports of vandalism targeting Jewish communities. Cities like Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Rhode Island have witnessed pro-Palestinian vandalism, causing additional distress among Jewish residents. At Cornell University, where Jewish students constitute approximately 22% of the student body, the threats and recent anti-Israel graffiti on campus sidewalks have created fear and anxiety within the Jewish community.
Read: Alan Dershowitz: These Protests Aren’t ‘Pro-Palestinian’ — They’re Antisemitic
Response and Measures Taken
In response to the Cornell University case and the broader surge in antisemitic incidents, the Biden administration has announced new measures to combat antisemitism on college campuses. President Biden expressed his deep concern about the rise of antisemitism and emphasized the need to address this issue effectively.
Additionally, Yale University’s student-run newspaper apologized for removing references to allegations of rape and beheadings committed by Hamas in their editorials about the attack on Israel, acknowledging the importance of accurate reporting.
Investigating the Cornell University Case
Law enforcement agencies swiftly investigated the Cornell University case, leading to the identification and apprehension of the suspect.
The FBI traced the threatening posts to Dai’s IP addresses in New York, one in Pittsford and the other in Ithaca. Dai admitted to posting the threatening messages during an interview with the FBI, claiming severe depression as a contributing factor but denying any history of violence.
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