Cornell University gang rape investigation: NY governor Hochul appoints special prosecutor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. The case involves a former undergraduate student, identified as Jane Doe, who filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped by seven men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.

According to ABC News, Jane Doe alleges she was gang raped by seven men during a party at the fraternity house, to which she was invited by one of the men she has accused of assaulting her. She had arrived at the party already intoxicated after consuming alcohol at her sorority house and at two bars. The Tompkins County District Attorney has reopened the investigation.

The case has prompted public outcry and raised questions about how law enforcement and the university initially responded, according to the Japan Times. Governor Hochul stated that the young woman at the center of the case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, The Hill, ABC News (US), Japan Times, The Guardian US — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.