Political speech, timestamped and in context

Letitia James: “The governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.”

Featuring: Letitia James, Democratic | Attorney General of New York

LIVE: New York's Kathy Hochul & Letitia James Hold Press Briefing On Cornell Investigation

Published October 2, 2026

With that, I'll turn it over to our Attorney General, Tish James. Thank you. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership of this great state. The governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly, that they will be seen and heard. (20:31–20:39)

STATEMENT

Asserts that Governor Hochul has appointed Letitia James' office to lead the investigation.

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 Letitia James in this video

“Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly, that they will be seen and heard.”
Asserts that New Yorkers should expect full and fair investigations when they report crimes.20:39-20:53
“That is the promise of our justice system.”
Asserts that the justice system promises full and fair investigations for reported crimes.20:53-20:57
“I stand ready to lead a process guided by the facts and the law.”
Asserts readiness to lead an investigation based on facts and legal principles.20:58-21:04
“In the coming months, my office will dutifully carry out the responsibilities the governor has conferred upon us in this executive order.”
Asserts that the Attorney General's office will execute responsibilities assigned by the governor.21:04-21:12
“This is now an active criminal investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General.”
Asserts that the Attorney General's office is leading an active criminal investigation.21:40-21:49
“Our investigation is a criminal investigation based upon all of the facts and so at this point in time we will not be focusing on the actions of the District Attorney.”
Asserts that the investigation is criminal and will not focus on the District Attorney's actions.29:11-29:20