Cornell 'Jane Doe' 'Terrified' After Swatting Incident and Death Threats Amid Sexual Assault Probe

A woman identified as Cornell University's "Jane Doe," who has filed a civil lawsuit alleging a 2024 gang rape at a Chi Phi fraternity house, is reportedly experiencing severe distress after a recent swatting incident and ongoing death threats. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, confirmed that the swatting event involved heavily armed police responding to a false report at her home, leading to officers drawing weapons on her family and a friend. Giuffra stated that his client is "terrified" and her mental health has significantly deteriorated amidst these escalating pressures.

The threats against Jane Doe, which include phone calls demanding she withdraw her lawsuit and text messages with gun emojis, have also extended to her attorney and his family. This situation has intensified scrutiny of Cornell University's handling of sexual assault allegations, prompting student protests and calls for greater accountability from the administration.

Amidst this, the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, has initiated a state investigation into how Cornell and law enforcement managed the original allegations. Furthermore, Cornell University has engaged former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of the university's response to Jane Doe's claims and its broader policies on sexual misconduct. Two students named in Doe's lawsuit are reportedly still enrolled at the university, adding to faculty concerns.