Former Incel's Threats of Mass Shooting at University of Arizona Foiled by FBI
Oct 30, 2023, 11:00 AM
A potential tragedy was averted when authorities arrested Michael Lee, a self-proclaimed "former incel," for making terroristic threats of a mass shooting at the University of Arizona. The FBI intervened after Lee's disturbing plans surfaced in a Snapchat group chat, leading to his arrest on charges related to interstate threats.*
Michael Lee, 27, attracted the attention of law enforcement when he discussed his intention to carry out a mass shooting at the University of Arizona in a group chat on Snapchat. In response to questions about his methods, Lee allegedly mentioned using an AR-15, noting, "It is Arizona; you can just buy one."
Disturbingly, when asked about the timing of the attack, Lee replied, "Damn, I haven't decided yet," and mentioned "the day of Retribution," a reference linked to the 2014 misogynistic mass murder carried out by Elliot Rodger.
In his posts, Lee also used the terms "chads" and "stacies," commonly associated with incel culture, which often expresses extreme misogyny and resentment towards individuals perceived as more socially successful.
Alarmed by Lee's threats, some group chat members took screenshots, prompting Lee's hostile response: "f— you stacies I was gonna give u a warning but now im not," he said.
Authorities traced Lee's vehicle near the University of Arizona multiple times, raising further concerns about his intentions.
Upon apprehension, Lee admitted to writing the threatening messages, explaining that he used the chat to vent his frustrations. He disclosed his past affiliation with the incel community and admitted considering purchasing a firearm two months earlier.
In a statement to the school community, Steve Patterson, the interim vice president and chief safety officer of the University of Arizona's Office of Public Safety, reassured that Lee had no affiliation with the university.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to prevent potential acts of violence and highlights the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Authorities acted swiftly to neutralize the threat posed by Lee, averting a potentially catastrophic event on the University of Arizona campus.
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Michael Lee, 27, attracted the attention of law enforcement when he discussed his intention to carry out a mass shooting at the University of Arizona in a group chat on Snapchat. In response to questions about his methods, Lee allegedly mentioned using an AR-15, noting, "It is Arizona; you can just buy one."
Disturbingly, when asked about the timing of the attack, Lee replied, "Damn, I haven't decided yet," and mentioned "the day of Retribution," a reference linked to the 2014 misogynistic mass murder carried out by Elliot Rodger.
In his posts, Lee also used the terms "chads" and "stacies," commonly associated with incel culture, which often expresses extreme misogyny and resentment towards individuals perceived as more socially successful.
Alarmed by Lee's threats, some group chat members took screenshots, prompting Lee's hostile response: "f— you stacies I was gonna give u a warning but now im not," he said.
Authorities traced Lee's vehicle near the University of Arizona multiple times, raising further concerns about his intentions.
Upon apprehension, Lee admitted to writing the threatening messages, explaining that he used the chat to vent his frustrations. He disclosed his past affiliation with the incel community and admitted considering purchasing a firearm two months earlier.
In a statement to the school community, Steve Patterson, the interim vice president and chief safety officer of the University of Arizona's Office of Public Safety, reassured that Lee had no affiliation with the university.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to prevent potential acts of violence and highlights the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Authorities acted swiftly to neutralize the threat posed by Lee, averting a potentially catastrophic event on the University of Arizona campus.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com