NEW DETAILS: Man accused of threatening mass shooting at University of Arizona

Michael Pengchong Lee is facing a charge of making a terroristic threat.
Michael Pengchong Lee is facing a charge of making a terroristic threat.(Pima County Sheriff's Department)
Published: Oct. 24, 2023 at 7:29 PM MST|Updated: Oct. 25, 2023 at 8:11 AM MST
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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A man has been arrested after documents show he threatened to carry out a mass shooting at the University of Arizona.

The University of Arizona Police Department said 27-year-old Michael Pengchong Lee, who is not affiliated with the school, is facing a charge of making a terroristic threat. The FBI assisted in the investigation and Lee may also face federal charges.

On Sunday, Oct. 22, the university was notified after Lee allegedly made a threat directed toward Greek Life in a group chat.

Authorities then began monitoring Lee and he was arrested on Monday, Oct. 23.

“We want the community to know this case is an example of a successful collaborative effort among UAPD, the Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAMT), and the FBI’s Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force,” UA Chief Safety Officer Steve Patterson said in a release.

The interim complaint shows Lee posted a message to social media saying “there’s going to be a mass tragedy and atrocity at the UofA soon.”

When asked if he meant the UofA, documents show Lee said “sure is.”

The document also shows Lee planned to carry out the mass shooting with an AR-15.

In a social media post, documents show Lee stated “It’s a solo mission, I’m not normal, I never have been.”

He also stated he believed he had “no place in this world.”

In another post, the interim complaint shows Lee stated “I’m gonna do it guys, my mind is made up and there’s nothing u (sic) can do or say to stop me.”

Lee was taken into custody following a traffic stop for speeding. After officers read him his rights, documents show he admitted being the author of the social media messages.

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