Air Force will not investigate rape allegation against senator

TThe Air Force is halting its investigation into Senator Martha McSally’s allegations that she was raped by a superior officer while serving as an Air Force pilot, citing McSally’s request to delay its investigation.

“The Air Force takes every allegation of sexual harassment seriously, no matter when it is made, and carefully considers how to proceed,” Ann Stefanek, director of Air Force media relations, said in a statement Friday. “Given the Senator’s desire not to participate in an investigation, the Air Force will remain prepared to investigate further if the Senator’s wishes change or other information is presented.”

McSally claimed she was raped during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday on “How to Combat Sexual Violence in the Military,” but did not identify the officer involved in the alleged incident.

She said she did not report the incident because she “didn’t trust the system” and was “embarrassed and confused.”

“I remained silent for many years, but later in my career, as the military struggled with the scandals and their completely inadequate response, I felt the need to let some people know that I, too, was a survivor,” McSally said.

“I was appalled at how my attempt to share my experiences was handled. I almost resigned from the Air Force out of desperation after 18 years of service,” McSally said. “Like many other victims, I felt like the system was raping me again.”

The Air Force issued a statement later Wednesday apologizing for McSally’s experience and expressing support for her and other victims.

“The criminal acts reported today by Senator McSally violate every aspect of what it means to be an Airman,” the statement said. “We are appalled and deeply sorry for what Senator McSally experienced, and we stand with her and all victims of sexual assault. We remain steadfast in our resolve to end this reprehensible behavior and breach of trust within our ranks.”

McSally was the first female fighter pilot to take part in a combat mission. She joined the Air Force in 1988 and retired in 2010 after reaching the rank of colonel.