Swatting Attack Escalates Threats Against Cornell “Jane Doe”

Officers arrived at the parents’ home of the woman known as Cornell’s “Jane Doe,” whose civil lawsuit alleges she was drugged and raped by seven members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The officers pointed weapons at her boyfriend, brother, and father before releasing them. The next day, October 7, Doe taped paper over the windows, fearing a gunman might target the residence.

US Weekly

Doe filed a 101-page civil complaint on September 16, 2026 in New York State Superior Court, accusing seven Chi Phi brothers, Cornell University, and other parties of a gang-rape that allegedly occurred in October 2024. The filing prompted the Tompkins County District Attorney to reopen the criminal investigation. State Attorney General Letitia James was assigned oversight, and former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates was appointed to lead an independent review of the university’s processes.

NewsOne

• Seven fraternity members are named in the lawsuit.

CNN

• The complaint spans 101 pages.

CNN

• Doe’s attorney estimates dozens of threats have been made since mid-September, including death-threatening calls, a text with gun emojis, and doxxing attempts.

CNN

• Michael Kotlikoff, Cornell University president, said, “We’re all angry. I understand that anger.”

CNN

Family members described the police encounter as frightening. Giuffra reported that the brother raised his hands, preventing a potentially lethal confrontation, while the boyfriend was thrown to the ground and the father had “guns put in his face.” The family also received additional threatening phone calls while police were still on the scene.

TMZ

Police confirm the swatting call was false, but have not linked the separate threatening call to the swatting incident. Giuffra’s wife also reported a threatening call, yet no agency has confirmed a connection.

CNN

• “Luckily the brother was in his car, (he) put his hands up,” — Thomas Giuffra, lawyer

CNN

• “We’re all angry. I understand that anger,” — Michael Kotlikoff, university president

CNN

The FBI and local law-enforcement agencies continue to investigate the swatting incident. Attorney-General Letitia James’ office is conducting a fact-based review of the criminal investigation, while Cornell’s independent review led by Sally Yates is expected to release findings later this year. The family remains under heightened security, and Doe’s legal team is preparing for further court proceedings.

The Jerusalem Post