New York Governor Cuomo Resigns Amid Damaging Report From Attorney General

Cuomo resignation effective in 2 weeks in light of sexual harassment investigation

By Dami Igbinyemi

Last week, a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James looking into several harassment allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo was released. Cuomo responded with a broadcast claiming he never touched anyone inappropriately and that his actions were taken out of context. Cuomo faced demands for his resignation from the president, as well as multiple Democrats.

Attorney General Letitia James said “today closes a sad chapter for all of New York” in light of Cuomo’s resignation. “We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation today saying he doesn’t want to pull the government focus away from people and the pandemic. “The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” Cuomo said in a televised address. The governor’s resignation will take effect in two weeks with New York Lt. gov. Kathy Hochul replacing him and becoming the state’s first female governor. She tweeted that Cuomo’s resignation was “the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers.”

This announcement was made in light of the state investigating last week against gov. Cuomo found him guilty of sexually harassing multiple women and violating state law. At the time, Cuomo denied the accusations with a broadcast and an 85-page document where he continued to say that he wasn’t going to resign. Cuomo was facing an impeachment investigation from New York Assembly Judiciary Committee. They are now discussing their next step now that Cuomo resigned. “This resignation is simply an attempt to avoid real accountability,” state GOP chair Nick Langworthy said. Despite his resignation, Cuomo is still looking at possible criminal charges with at least two of the New York state district attorney’s office investigating.

Cuomo apologized for his behaviour but said that the more serious accusations in the report “have no credible, factual basis.” “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone,” Cuomo said. “I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” he added referring to the generational and cultural shift between men and women interaction in the workplace.

A statement released by the New York State Police Investigations Association said “The Governor made the right decision as he could no longer effectively lead the state. While we appreciate that he apologized to our fellow trooper, it’s unfortunate that it took him so long to do so. We hope that he and everyone can learn from this sad episode in the NY history.”

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