Watch live: New York officials address Cornell rape allegations as furor grows

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and state Attorney General Letitia James (D) will give remarks Friday morning on the investigation into allegations that a woman was raped by several men at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024.

The governor, who called the case “horrifying,” appointed James as special prosecutor late Thursday, saying she had lost confidence in the local district attorney’s handling of the case.

The case has received renewed attention after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the probe last month following a lawsuit from the woman, identified as Jane Doe. The investigation was initially closed without charges.

Lawmakers and others have ramped up calls for independent investigations while criticizing how local officials, Cornell and the Trump administration have handled the allegations.

The press conference is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT.