New York Governor Kathy Hochul has condemned the handling of a gang-rape case at Cornell University, accusing campus police and prosecutors of failing to protect the accuser. Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the case after learning of 'troubling' details in the authorities' response.
Hochul said the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, told police she was raped by six students at a Cornell fraternity house in 2024, but her statement was excluded from the police report sent to prosecutors. The case was closed without charges in 2024, but the accuser filed a civil lawsuit in 2026, reigniting public and institutional scrutiny.
Cornell University defended its handling of the case, stating it conducted its own investigation and expelled or suspended students. The university has now committed to an independent review following Hochul's intervention, as James has confirmed an 'active criminal investigation' into the case.
The case has sparked global attention, with concerns over institutional failures and the legal 'loophole' for intoxication in rape prosecutions. Hochul and James have both emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, highlighting the 'unspeakable' trauma endured by the accuser and the importance of ensuring no one is left 'failed' by those responsible for her protection.