‘I want the truth’: NY governor appoints prosecutor in Cornell rape case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell University, citing a loss of confidence in the local prosecutor's handling of the case after new information emerged. Hochul criticized the district attorney for not interviewing the victim or requesting the full transcript, prompting her to sign an executive order for the attorney general's office to take over the investigation. The case was initially closed in 2024 but reopened in September 2026 after the victim filed a civil lawsuit against seven fraternity members. The investigation may lead to a grand jury prosecution if evidence warrants.