NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams chose to withdraw from a candidates forum on Wednesday, featuring several of his rivals in the Democratic primary. The decision was based on legal advice, directing him to refrain from attending public events until a judge rules on whether to dismiss the public corruption charges against him.
“There will be ample time for debates and public dialogues as the campaign progresses,” Adams stated to the press as he exited a different event in the city. He emphasized the importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold.
Furthermore, Adams highlighted another reason for his absence from the forum organized by District Council 37, the largest municipal union in New York City. He pointed out that one candidate has yet to declare their candidacy officially. Though he didn’t name anyone, it was widely interpreted as a reference to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who, despite not announcing his candidacy, has gained several endorsements.
Adams remarked, “It’s vital that every candidate enters the race openly, without remaining on the sidelines, spreading intimations.” However, Adams’ legal representative and campaign spokesperson did not comment on his decision to skip the event.
Earlier in the day, Adams urged the judge to dismiss the criminal charges, citing prosecutorial misconduct. Last September, Adams was accused of accepting over $100,000 in unlawful campaign donations and travel privileges from a Turkish official and associates while serving as Brooklyn borough president.
Recently, new leadership at the U.S. Justice Department decided to dismiss the case, arguing it was distracting Adams from assisting with former President Trump’s immigration policies and was interfering with his reelection campaign. This reversal prompted several prosecutors in New York and Washington, D.C., to resign rather than execute the directive.
In legal documents submitted Wednesday, Adams’ attorneys accused the government of wrongly leaking correspondence from then-U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The letter purportedly outlined reasons against dropping the charges and indicated plans to accuse Adams of obstructing justice.
The attorneys described Sassoon’s letter as “an outrageous outburst” in a slew of leaked internal Justice Department communications after Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove decided to halt the prosecution. According to Adams’ lawyers, these leaks publicized the internal Justice Department strife, affecting Adams’ chance for a just trial.
Adams maintains his innocence, having pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Justice Department in Washington has been contacted for a comment. Bove, alongside two Justice Department lawyers, is currently working towards getting a Manhattan judge to withdraw the charges.
The judge, having postponed an April trial, has appointed independent counsel to guide him in the upcoming decision on the case.
Bove’s request included a provision allowing for the charges to be potentially reinstated post-election; Adams’ lawyers argue against this possibility. They contend, “The mayor has been unjustly tried in public opinion before any formal charges. The court must recognize the detrimental impact of this case, which has morphed from a mere spectacle to a hindrance, causing irreparable harm daily.”
