In an initial step towards impeaching Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Assembly has authorized an investigation of the sexual harassment allegations against the Governor on Thursday. 

The decision follows after an unidentified woman accused Cuomo of groping and fondling her at his residence last year. A total of six women have accused the Governor of sexual misconduct. 

The Judiciary Committee made the call after 19 Democratic state Senators and 40 Democratic members of the Assembly called on Cuomo to resign from his position in a statement on Thursday.

Also Read: Latest allegation against Andrew Cuomo reported at Albany Police Department

Cuomo currently faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment and a separate probe into the handling of COVID-19 death data of a nursing home, reports The Washington Post. 

Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said in a statement, “The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution.”

Also Read: Who is Andrew Cuomo, New York Governor entangled in sexual harassment allegations

According to the lawmakers, Cuomo has “lost the confidence of the public and the state legislature, rendering him ineffective in this time of most urgent need.”

Andrew Cuomo said in a statement, “I have never done anything like this. The details of this report are gut-wrenching. I am not going to speak to the specifics of this or any other allegation given the ongoing review, but I am confident in the result of the Attorney General’s report.”

Attorney General Letitia James, who already has an independent investigation being conducted by lawyers she appointed said, “Today’s action by the New York state legislature will have no bearing on our independent investigation into these allegations against Governor Cuomo. Our investigation will continue.”

Cuomo would be referred to the state Senate if the Assembly Democrats and Republicans voted for his impeachment.