New York Governor Kathy Hochul broke her silence on New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment on Thursday as she faces the decision on whether to use her power to oust him.
Following Adams’ indictment on five criminal charges on Thursday, Hochul now has the power to remove him from office. Adams does not need to go to trial or be convicted for her to invoke this power.
“I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement.
In this file photo, New York City Mayor Eric Adams gives remarks upon the release of the ‘Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Blueprint for Community Safety’ with the full support of his Administration, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Chris Moore/MediaPunch /IPX
The statement did not give any indication as to whether or not Hochul intends to proceed with Adams’ removal.
“My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City,” Hochul said. “While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.”
The two elected officials frequently appeared at events together in New York City, including parades and press conferences.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, left, and New York Mayor Eric Adams attend a news conference about the upcoming “Gun Free Zone” implementation at Times Square, Aug. 31, 2022, in New York. Hochul said Adams’ indictment is the latest in “a disturbing pattern of events.”
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File
Adams, who was first elected as mayor in 2021, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals; one count of wire fraud; two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and one count of bribery on Thursday. He is the first mayor in the city’s history to be criminally charged while in office.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams at the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade on September 4, 2023 in New York City. Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office after he was criminally charged.
NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx 2023
Several elected officials have called on Adams to resign, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Vice President Kamala Harris and New York City Mayor Eric Adams attend the commemoration ceremony on the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in New York. Hochul and Adams often appeared together at events in New York City.
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
Adams has resisted calls to resign as he faces federal charges.
“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams said. “My day to day will not change.”
Adams arrived at federal court in Manhattan on Friday to be arraigned on the five counts he is charged with.
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