In a significant case underscoring the dangers of online threats, Michael Pengchung Lee, a 27-year-old Tucson resident, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for threatening to commit a mass shooting at the University of Arizona. The sentencing, delivered by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez includes three years of supervised release with strict conditions such as substance abuse testing, mental health assessment, location monitoring, and a no-contact provision prohibiting him from being on the University of Arizona campus.
The Case and Investigation
On October 22, 2023, Lee transmitted a series of alarming threats via Snapchat, explicitly stating his intent to carry out a mass shooting at the university. In his messages, Lee targeted “all the chads and stacies,” terms linked to incel (involuntary celibate) ideology. His final message was a chilling declaration: “I’m gonna do it guys, my mind is made up and there’s nothing u can do or say to stop me.”
Prompted by the threats, the University of Arizona Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) swiftly launched an investigation under the FBI’s Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. This investigation revealed additional Snapchat conversations in which Lee reiterated his threats, referencing well-known incel figures and mass shooters.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charged with Interstate Threats for using interstate communications to transmit his violent intentions, Lee pleaded guilty on April 10, 2024. He admitted to the content and intent of his messages, as well as his motivations rooted in incel ideology.
During the sentencing, Judge Márquez highlighted the severe potential consequences of Lee’s actions and stressed the importance of the sentence serving as both punishment and deterrent. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Rossi, who prosecuted the case, remarked, “This sentencing underscores the serious nature of threats made through social media and the commitment of law enforcement to address and mitigate such threats before they can materialize into tragic events.”
Community Response and Safety Measures
The University of Arizona community, while relieved by the resolution of the case, remains vigilant about campus safety. University President Robert C. Robbins emphasized the gravity of such threats, stating, “We’ve moved into alerting other law enforcement agencies including federal and regional agencies. These are very, very serious threats. I take them seriously. I think everyone else takes them seriously. And I think we’ve seen what happens when we don’t take them seriously.”
The FBI and University of Arizona Police Department continue to enhance preventive measures and outreach programs aimed at identifying and addressing potential threats. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and the critical role of community and law enforcement partnerships in safeguarding public safety.
