A junior at Cornell University is accused of making threats to “shoot up” the campus and harm Jews on campus, reports NBC News.
Patrick Dai allegedly made his threats in two separate posts online. One allegedly threatened to “shoot up” a campus building where Jews congregate. Authorities say the other said he would “stab” or “slit the throat” of Jewish men and rape or throw off the cliff Jewish women.
NPR reports Dai remains in custody and is expected to appear in court Wednesday, November 1. Prosecutors quoted Dai as saying “he would “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig Jews,” a statement from the U.S. Attorney General Northern District of New York said.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned of rising anti-semitism on college campuses in her state.
“The problem didn’t begin in the weeks following October 7 attacks [by Hamas against Israel],” Hochul said to NPR. “It’s been growing on a number of campuses and seen most acutely in the City University of New York.”
Police vowed a “heightened security presence on campus.”
Dai faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
A post on X from Stop Antisemitism said that Dai’s LinkedIn account listed safety officer as one of his past jobs.
The same account also posted threats allegedly made by Dai.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Donations to Asian American Media Inc and AsAmNews are tax-deductible. It’s never too late to give.
Please also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.
