An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to threatening a mass shooting at the University of Arizona.
Michael Pengchung Lee, 27, of Tucson, pleaded guilty last week to federal charges. Sentencing is scheduled for July 3, 2024.
Lee allegedly made the threats in a group chat on Snapchat and said he planned to target fraternities and sororities.
He expressed a desire to get revenge on "all the chads and stacies!!"
"Chads" and "Stacies" are commonly used terms by self-described involuntary celibates (incels), according to federal prosecutors.
Lee made further reference to incel ideology and finished the conversation by stating "im gonna do it guys, my mind is made up and there's nothing u can do or say to stop me."
He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a maximum term of three years of supervised release.
"We must protect the intellectual rigor, diversity and safety of our universities," said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. "Robust intervention and prosecution of misogynists who threaten young students is critical to public safety."
"All students deserve to feel safe at their schools," said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis.
"This case is a wonderful example of our strong partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said University of Arizona Police Chief Chris Olson. “It also illustrates the sense of urgency in which the University of Arizona Police Department, the UA Office of Public Safety, and our federal partners will act when our community is threatened.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the University of Arizona Police Department investigated the case that led to Lee's arrest.
