Hochul Criticizes Handling of 2024 Cornell Rape Investigation, Names Special Prosecutor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Friday she was “deeply disturbed” by how authorities handled an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in 2024. She spoke alongside Attorney General Letitia James, whom she appointed Thursday night as special prosecutor. The case drew renewed scrutiny after the alleged victim sued members of a fraternity, accusing them of raping her while she was intoxicated. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the investigation on Monday, and James’ office will now oversee it.

Omitted Claim and Questions for Prosecutors

Reports say the woman told police she was raped, but that claim was left out of the sworn statement sent to prosecutors. Hochul criticized Cornell police for the omission and questioned why the district attorney’s office did not interview her directly or review the full transcript. Van Houten had said her statement did not describe a crime under state law. He now says the university did not give his office the full picture and will cooperate. Cornell backs an independent external review.

Push to Change New York Sexual Assault Law

Experts say state law makes prosecution harder when a victim voluntarily became intoxicated. Hochul will work with lawmakers to end the distinction between voluntary intoxication and being drugged without consent. She said it should not matter how someone became too intoxicated to consent.