NY governor attacks law enforcement's handling of 2024 Cornell rape investigation - Reuters

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Friday that she was “deeply disturbed” by the way police and prosecutors handled an alleged gang‑rape that took place at Cornell University in 2024. Hochul criticized law‑enforcement officials for what she described as a failure to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

The alleged assault, which reportedly occurred on Cornell’s campus, has drawn significant public attention and prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the investigative process. Hochul’s remarks came as the case continued to be examined by state and local authorities.

In her statement, the governor urged law‑enforcement agencies to prioritize transparency and accountability in handling sexual‑assault allegations, emphasizing the need for victims to receive proper support and for investigations to be conducted without bias.

Officials from the Ithaca police department and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office have not publicly responded to Hochul’s comments. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been announced at this time.