Hochul Faults Cornell Rape Investigation, Names Special Prosecutor
On Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her discontent with law enforcement and prosecutors regarding their inadequate investigation of a reported gang rape at Cornell University in 2024, stating she was "deeply disturbed" by their approach. During a press conference alongside state Attorney General Letitia James, Hochul revealed that James had been appointed as a special prosecutor the previous night to look into the allegations. The case gained renewed attention after the alleged victim filed a lawsuit against fraternity members, claiming they raped her while she was intoxicated, sparking significant public outrage over the handling of the situation in 2024. Additionally, Hochul aims to amend state legislation that complicates the prosecution of sexual assault cases involving intoxicated victims.
Key facts
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul faulted police and prosecutors for failing to fully investigate an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University
- Hochul said she was "deeply disturbed" by how the incident was handled
- Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor on Thursday night
- The announcement came at a Friday press conference alongside James
- The alleged victim filed a lawsuit accusing fraternity members of raping her while she was intoxicated
- The case drew fresh scrutiny and widespread outrage over its 2024 handling
- Hochul is seeking to change a state law that makes it harder to prosecute sex assault cases where the victim voluntarily became intoxicated
Entities
Artists
- Kathy Hochul
- Letitia James
Institutions
- Cornell University
Locations
- New York
- United States