New York Governor Appoints Special Prosecutor in Cornell Rape Case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state attorney general has been appointed to oversee a gang rape investigation involving members of a Cornell University fraternity. Officials stated that the victim was let down by institutions and individuals obligated to protect her.

According to the governor, troubling details emerged regarding how authorities handled the allegations, noting that the district attorney closed the case without interviewing the victim or others involved. Furthermore, the Cornell University Police Department was criticized for failing to fully convey the woman's account to prosecutors.

The investigation was initially closed without charges in 2024. Following a lawsuit filed by the woman last month, the Tompkins County District Attorney reopened the probe, facing substantial criticism for abandoning the original inquiry too rapidly.

The state attorney general will direct the investigation and present evidence to a grand jury if deemed necessary. Meanwhile, lawyers representing two of the sued fraternity members have denied any involvement in a sexual assault.