State lawmakers have now launched an impeachment investigation into Gov. Andrew Cuomo as allegations he groped a female aide have been reported to police.
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin says that she and dozens of other Democratic lawmakers have now taken the first step towards impeaching Cuomo. It comes after a sixth accuser says the governor groped her last year in the executive mansion.
"It wasn't easy, it doesn't give me any kind of joy to do that but I think it was necessary," says Griffin (D-Rockville Centre).
Griffin and other members of the Assembly Majority Conference spent hours Thursday afternoon discussing the growing allegations against Cuomo. On Thursday night, the Assembly's top Democrat, Carl Heastie, confirmed he's authorized the judiciary committee to launch an impeachment investigation.
The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. It will happen at the same time as the state attorney general continues her investigation into the allegations.
The governor's attorney says, in line with state law, she reported the incident to police in Albany after the accuser declined to press charges.
When asked if the latest developments change anything in terms of wanting resignation, Republican state Sen. Alexis Weik (R-Sayville), said, "No, it doesn't change anything we've been asking for. There's so much going on and every day we see new allegations coming forward in addition to the disaster we've seen with the nursing home issue."
Keith Scott, with The Safe Center, says it's not uncommon for multiple women to come forward at the same time.
"Look at the Harvey Weinstein allegations and reports, in that case, many times when you have a very high profile, high authority individual, people are fearful to come forward," says Scott.
Cuomo has repeatedly said he will not resign and previously said he did not physically touch anyone.