Political speech, timestamped and in context

Kathy Hochul: “I signed an executive order appointing Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in this sexual…”

Featuring: Kathy Hochul, Democratic | Governor of New York

BREAKING NEWS: New York's Hochul, James Hold Press Briefing On Cornell University Investigation

Published October 2, 2026

Good morning. Last night, I signed an executive order appointing Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in this sexual assault case at Cornell University. I want New Yorkers to understand what prompted that decision. Earlier this week, I called on Cornell to conduct an independent investigation led by outside counsel. (00:04–00:13)

STATEMENT

Asserts that Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James as a special prosecutor for a sexual assault case.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Kathy Hochul in this video

“Earlier this week, I called on Cornell to conduct an independent investigation led by outside counsel.”
Asserts that Kathy Hochul requested Cornell University to conduct an independent investigation.00:17-00:25
“I'm invoking the power conferred to me as the Governor of the State of New York to enlist Attorney General James as an independent special prosecutor in this case.”
Asserts that Kathy Hochul is using her gubernatorial power to appoint a special prosecutor.02:22-02:31
“This case has also exposed another problem we need to address. A gap in state law.”
Asserts that there is a gap in New York state law related to intoxication and consent.03:09-03:15
“I support closing this loophole and will work with the New York State legislature to accomplish this.”
Asserts that Kathy Hochul supports legislative action to close a legal loophole regarding intoxication and consent.03:32-03:39
“Cornell University's police [sent] a partial record over [to the District Attorney].”
Asserts that Cornell University's police sent incomplete records to the District Attorney.07:32-07:34
“Attorney General James will be the one who puts a spotlight on this case.”
Asserts that Attorney General James will investigate the case.09:10-09:15
“Here in New York, we'll work with the legislature.”
Asserts that New York will collaborate with the legislature on this issue.10:08-10:11
“There's legislation that has passed one of the houses.”
Asserts that relevant legislation has passed one legislative house.10:17-10:21
“We changed the laws before, but clearly this is still a gap that needs to be addressed.”
Asserts that previous legal changes were made, but gaps remain.10:51-10:56
“I spoke to the president about my desire, my insistence that there be outside independent counsel examining what happened.”
Asserts that she insisted on an independent investigation into the university's actions.11:15-11:27
“They had an immediate willingness to go out and find what I've asked for outside counsel to conduct a fully independent investigation.”
Asserts that the university agreed to conduct an independent investigation.12:24-12:33