Mayor Eric Adams Defends Himself Amid Bribery Indictment
Mayor Eric Adams surrounded himself outside Gracie Mansion with some of his longest-standing allies on Thursday, asking New Yorkers to "wait to hear our defense" just minutes after federal prosecutors unsealed their indictment against him on bribery and other charges.
"We are not surprised," he said, surrounded by New York State NAACP president Hazel Dukes, the Rev. Herbert Daughtry, his longtime mentor, and other allies, most of whom were Black community leaders.
"We expected this," the mayor added.
But Adams’ message of resiliency — as the first sitting mayor in New York City’s history to be criminally charged — was initially drowned out by protestors, who chanted for him to resign. He said he wouldn’t.
Due Process
As Adams faced reporters under a tent in the rain, the rowdy press conference included constant heckling by opponents and feisty supporters who heckled back.
Through the heated exchanges, the mayor insisted he would remain on the job even as so many of his top appointees have resigned or announced exits, including the police commissioner, schools chancellor and his chief counsel.
"From here my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. My day to day will not change," he said. "I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do — and the 300,000-plus employees of our city government will continue to do their job because this is what we do as New Yorkers."
A Grave Moment for Our City
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams — the mayor’s former high school classmate — called the federal indictment "deeply troubling" at an unrelated press conference Thursday.
"I remain deeply concerned about the impact of all of this on our city government and on New Yorkers," she said. "I ask the mayor to seriously and honestly consider whether full attention can be given to our deserving New Yorkers who need our government to be sound and stable."
Reaction from Elected Officials
Gov. Kathy Hochul, speaking in Syracuse, called the mayor’s indictment "a very serious matter," but did not address whether or not she thought he should resign.
"I will be deliberative. I’ll be thoughtful," she said. "But we’re gonna come to the right resolution on what to do in this moment."
Conclusion
As the mayor faces the consequences of the indictment, the city of New York remains in a state of uncertainty. The mayor’s supporters are rallying around him, while critics are calling for his resignation. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome is far from certain.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Mayor Eric Adams?
A: The mayor has been indicted on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and receiving illegal campaign contributions.
Q: What is the alleged bribery scheme?
A: The mayor is accused of performing favors for Turkish foreign nationals in exchange for $100,000 in plane tickets and accommodations.
Q: Has the mayor resigned?
A: No, the mayor has denied the charges and says he will continue to serve as mayor.
Q: What is the reaction from elected officials?
A: Some officials, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have called for the mayor to resign, while others, including House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, have said he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
