President Trump weighed in on the case when asked about Ms. James, who has become a target of his second-term retribution campaign.

© Alex Kent/The New York Times

Hochul, who appointed the state's attorney general, Letitia James, as special prosecutor in the case, criticized how the alleged assault was handled by the school and promised a thorough investigation

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© Photograph: AP

© Photograph: AP

© Photograph: AP

Kathy Hochul briefs journalists with state attorney general Letitia James, who will be taking over the entire case

• Letitia James appointed special prosecutor in alleged gang-rape at Cornell

Kathy Hochul, New York’s governor, said on Friday that she would “ensure” that all the facts of the alleged gang-rape at a fraternity house at Cornell University “are brought into the light”, while harshly criticizing the elite institution for how it handled the 2024 case.

Hochul, a Democrat, said the woman in the case, was “failed” by people obligated to protect her, including the police and the county prosecutor.

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© Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters

© Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters

© Photograph: Jeenah Moon/Reuters

The news comes amid speculation about whether Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic Socialist from the Bronx, is considering a run for senator or president.

© Tailyr Irvine for The New York Times