New York City Mayor Eric Adams Deflects Questions on Police Commissioner Amid Federal Scrutiny
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declined to say Tuesday if he remained confident in the city’s police commissioner, days after federal agents seized the cellphones of the head of the police department and at least four other high-ranking mayoral deputies.
Confidence in Police Commissioner
In his first news conference since the whirlwind of seizures, Adams — whose own devices were taken by FBI agents in November — acknowledged that the sudden increase in federal scrutiny had “raised a lot of questions and a lot of concerns.” He then deflected questions about whether he planned to remove the police commissioner, Edward Caban, amid a series of news reports claiming Caban is under pressure to resign.
“I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department,” Adams said when asked if he remained confident in Caban’s leadership, noting that if there are any changes, his administration would announce them.
Federal Investigation
Quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Adams spoke to reporters online for more than an hour, striking a sober and cautious tone as he sidestepped questions about how many members of his administration had been contacted by federal agents or if anyone would be stripped of their duties.
He also declined to say whether Caban had been barred from communicating with federal law enforcement agencies, which work in close cooperation with the nation’s largest police department.
Investigation Details
The SDNY and IRS have seized the cellphones of numerous NYPD officials, including at least one phone belonging to Commissioner Edward Caban. The investigation is looking into whether officers were asked to crack down harder on clubs that did not do business with the commissioner’s brother or if promotions were given to officers who played along with the potential scheme, according to sources.
No one has been charged in the investigation, and the full scope of the investigation is unclear.
Related Investigation
In a separate investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are investigating past fundraising by a campaign of Mayor Eric Adams. Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
Conclusion
Mayor Eric Adams has declined to comment on the future of Police Commissioner Edward Caban amid federal scrutiny, instead emphasizing his confidence in the NYPD. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further developments will arise.
FAQs
Q: Has anyone been charged in the investigation?
A: No, no one has been charged in the investigation.
Q: What is the scope of the investigation?
A: The full scope of the investigation is unclear, but it is looking into potential corruption involving top aides to Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: Has Mayor Eric Adams been implicated in the investigation?
A: No, Mayor Eric Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
Q: Will Police Commissioner Edward Caban be removed?
A: Mayor Eric Adams has declined to comment on the future of Police Commissioner Edward Caban, but has expressed confidence in the NYPD.