NY governor vows to close loophole after alleged Cornell gang rape

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed deep concern over the handling of a gang rape allegation at Cornell University in 2024, accusing police and prosecutors of failing to conduct a thorough investigation. She appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to probe the case, which came to light after the alleged victim filed a lawsuit accusing fraternity members of raping her while she was intoxicated.

Cornell University's District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced on Monday that his office would reopen the investigation, which will now be handled by James' office. Van Houten defended his office's decision in 2024 not to pursue charges, citing the victim's sworn statement to police not containing sufficient allegations to meet the criteria for a crime under New York law.

Hochul criticized Cornell police for omitting the victim's claim of rape in the statement provided to prosecutors and questioned why Van Houten's office did not interview the victim directly or review the complete transcript of her police interview. The Governor emphasized that the victim had already endured an unspeakable trauma and was let down by people and institutions responsible for her protection.

Van Houten expressed support for James' appointment and agreed to cooperate with her investigation, stating that the focus should remain on the victims. A Cornell spokesperson confirmed support for James' appointment and the school's commitment to an independent external review of the case handling. The victim's lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, endorsed Hochul's decision to appoint James, expressing skepticism about local prosecutors' ability to handle the case.

Hochul also pledged to work with the state legislature to revise New York's sexual assault laws, aiming to eliminate the distinction between victims who voluntarily consume intoxicants and those who are given substances without their consent.