"Deeply disturbing and gut-wrenching": Zohran Mamdani addresses Cornell 7 assault case

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has spoken out about the allegations surrounding an ongoing sexual assault case involving Cornell University students.

In a statement shared on social media, Zohran Mamdani described the allegations as “deeply disturbing and gut-wrenching” and accused Cornell University of failing the woman involved in the case.

“The allegations in the Cornell sexual assault case are deeply disturbing and gut-wrenching. Cornell University has failed this survivor.”

Zohran Mamdani also expressed support for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to appoint state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the case. He said he expects a full investigation into the allegations.

“I fully support Governor Hochul’s decision to name Attorney General James as special prosecutor in this case and look forward to the complete and extensive investigation that is to come.”

The NYC Mayor continued:

“We know this moment is particularly difficult for survivors. I want to be very clear: you deserve to be safe, and our administration supports you at every turn. NYC Family Justice Centers are available in every borough and provide free, confidential support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including sexual violence.”

Zohran Mamdani says “accountability and justice” must be “delivered”

Zohran Mamdani’s message follows as a former Cornell University student, Jane Doe, files a civil lawsuit against the university, fraternity members, and others in September 2026.

The woman has accused the men of sexually assaulting her in 2024. However, that November, the Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, reviewed the initial file provided by campus police and determined there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges.

Cornell University then conducted an internal investigation while the accused denied wrongdoing. In late 2024, two of the alleged perpetrators were expelled, while the rest underwent disciplinary actions.

The Chi Phi Fraternity was also barred from campus. In an official statement, the college fraternity shared it:

"remains under a temporary suspension order that was issued on November 8, 2024, for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, late last week, interim measures in the form of temporary suspensions were issued for a number of students to protect the immediate physical health and safety of all students."

The reopening of the case also prompted The Cornell Daily Sun to publish names and details.

Prosecutors have said they will handle the criminal investigation through an impartial process. The accused men have not been found guilty.

Zohran Mamdani also said accountability and justice should result in concrete action rather than remain abstract principles.

“Accountability and justice cannot simply be values, they must also be delivered.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, Oct. 2, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the woman who accused members of a Cornell University fraternity of gang rape was “failed” by people obligated to protect her, including police and the county prosecutor.

In a conference, she spoke:

“After this young woman came forward, she spoke to the police. She sat for hours and told them exactly what happened to her. And according to new reports, she could not have been clearer that she was 100% confident that she had been r***d. Yet, shockingly, those words never made it into the account that the Cornell police sent to prosecutors.”

She also said on Thursday:

“The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued.”

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