New York Governor Hochul calls for investigation into alleged gang rape at Cornell

At a short-term press conference, the Democratic governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul, announced that the circumstances of the alleged gang rape in a fraternity house would be fully clarified: "As governor, I will not allow this case to be swept under the carpet."

The criminal investigation will now be handled by Attorney General Letitia James from Manhattan, who is known for her legal disputes with US President Donald Trump, said Hochul.

Her trust in the public prosecutor's office in Tompkins County was shaken: "Why on earth did the prosecutor not interview the student or anyone else involved? This young woman suffered unspeakable suffering. She was then abandoned at every opportunity by the people who are supposed to protect her."

Seven students were apparently involved

In recent days, more and more details have emerged about what happened two years ago. The Cornell University student then came to the student union building in an inebriated state. She is said to have been given the anesthetic ketamine at the alleged party. She is then said to have been raped while defenseless by several members of the student association.

Other students were even invited to sexually assault the young woman via a chat group. A total of seven students were apparently involved, although three of them denied involvement. The four others had their lawyers declare that the sex was consensual. The student's lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, strongly contradicts this: "At no point was it consensual. She came to the fraternity house in a drunken state. Then she was given drugs. She couldn't express any consent at all."

Drinking alcohol could become a problem for victims

However, this is exactly what could become a problem for the student in criminal proceedings. Because under current law in New York State, it is very difficult for a woman who voluntarily drank alcohol to accuse someone of being a rapist.

Governor Hochul demanded that this law urgently be changed: “Voluntary drunkenness must not be a free pass for sexual abuse or gang rape!” However, the existing law still applies, which discriminates against women who have been raped if they were previously under the influence of alcohol.

The young woman has now left Cornell University. The student association was banned. Some of the fraternities had to leave. For the others, disciplinary measures remained.