Cornell Student Sentenced for Antisemitic Threats

Patrick Dai, a former Cornell University student, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for posting antisemitic threats targeting Jewish students. Dai, who pleaded guilty to using interstate communications to post violent threats, made several alarming statements on October 28 and 29, 2023, including threats to shoot and bomb locations frequented by Jewish students. His defense argued that Dai's actions stemmed from undiagnosed autism, claiming he intended to highlight anti-Israel rhetoric. Despite this, the court deemed his actions a hate crime that significantly disrupted campus life. Dai’s sentence includes three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The threats emerged amidst heightened antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attack on Israel.