New Yorkers in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's native Queens have mixed emotions about his decision to resign a week after a bombshell report from the state attorney general concluded he had sexually harassed 11 women and retaliated against his accusers.

"I am sad about it, I liked the governor, you know,” said Jose Palmer. “I understand the charges are very serious, but I do like him and he provided leadership when we needed it.”

What You Need To Know

  • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he will resign

  • His resignation will be effective in 14 days

  • Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, will serve the rest of his term when the resignation becomes effective

Many described the months leading up to his resignation announcement Tuesday as a fall from grace. 

"A week too late. He was a God for us during the pandemic, of course. He just needed to go,” said Allyson Spurling.

New Yorkers we spoke with said Cuomo was a comforting voice during the COVID crisis and, and that they never thought, a year a half later, he would step down. 

"He was on the highest horse he has ever been on a year ago today,” explained Muhammad Alhabi. “A betting man would have lost a lot of money, assuming he would be resigned a year later.”

In his address to New York, Cuomo apologized for some of his comments and behavior, but denied the most serious allegations against him.

Some New Yorkers believe him. 

"I love Cuomo,” said Fikrja Kolemnovic. “I don't trust none of the girls and what they say. It is not true.”

"Was that really a true statement that happened, because you know, sometimes I feel like the government try to be plotting some stories on people,” added Flee Pesci.

Other's said a person in a position of power should know better. 

"I think he is lying, and he should have resigned a long time ago,” said Barbra Terracciano. “It is disgraceful, so many women coming out and speaking about all of the things he’s done.”

"It is totally not acceptable,” added Josephine Germosen. “As a woman, I totally do not accept that, so, you know, he did the right thing by resigning.”

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is now preparing to step in as governor and become the state's first female chief executive.

"I think it is great and it is the wave of the future,” said Ellen Spivaka.

New Yorkers said the state has a lot of healing to do and they hope Hochul can lead the way.