Cornell Gang Rape Scandal: Gov. Kathy Hochul and Special Prosecutor Letitia James Share Updates

Cornell Gang Rape Scandal Governor, Special Prosecutor Hold Court ... Watch The Live Stream Published October 2, 2026 6:22 AM PDT New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are set to speak at a joint press conference after it was announced that James would be taking over the investigation into the alleged Cornell gang rape as a special prosecutor. Hochul -- who issued an executive order Thursday appointing James -- said she had lost faith in Tompkins D.A. Matthew Van Houten over his initial decision not to press charges. She said ... "This has, in turn, undercut my faith, and the public's faith, in the District Attorney's ability to effectively investigate and prosecute the case at this time." Van Houten previously claimed he only received the Snapchat group chat and Jane Doe's sworn statement from campus police. Hochul's decision was met with praise by both the university and Jane Doe's lawyers. One of the lawyers involved said ... "That's wonderful news. I will tell you this. My intention tomorrow, first thing, was to write a letter requesting that Governor Hochul appoint a special prosecutor because my client and I had zero confidence in this district attorney's ability to prosecute this case." Cornell has also agreed to an independent investigation into how it handled the accusation. For her part ... James released a statement saying ... "Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly. The Governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly." Related articles Letitia James Kathy Hochul Matthew Van Houten Allegations Cornell Rape Crime Legal News