Governor Rebukes DA Over Handling of Cornell Sex Assault Case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has openly criticized the Tompkins County District Attorney's handling of an alleged gang rape case at a Cornell University fraternity house in October 2024. The governor expressed a significant loss of confidence in District Attorney Matthew Van Houten following reports that his office initially declined to review additional evidence and did not interview the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, before deciding against prosecution in November 2024.

In response to these concerns, Governor Hochul has signed an executive order appointing New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to independently investigate the allegations. This appointment came shortly after Van Houten's office reopened the investigation on September 28, 2026, prompted by a civil lawsuit filed by the accuser.

Cornell University has stated it conducted its own thorough investigation, which resulted in sanctions including expulsions and suspensions of some students, and the closure of the Chi Phi fraternity chapter in 2024. The university also agreed to an independent review of its procedures in handling the allegations. Governor Hochul emphasized the need for a full and fair examination of the facts to ensure justice in the case.