Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the No. 3 House Republican, is calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to be arrested “immediately” following a report that found he sexually harassed several women.
In a statement on Tuesday, the New York Congresswoman said, “No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately. President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation.”
She continued, “In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers.
“The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice,” Stefanik added.
Read the statement below:
🚨🚨 MY FULL STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR CUOMO 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/Xxl5ugsxTk
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 3, 2021
Her statement comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a report that found Cuomo “sexually harassed a number of State employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments.”
In a statement, James said, “This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law.”
“I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period,” she added.
The investigation was civil in nature, and the governor has not been charged with a crime.
Cuomo denied wrongdoing in a statement after the report was released. He said, “I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”
“I am 63 years old. I’ve lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am. And that’s not who I have ever been,” he added.