FDNY indictments and late night resignation add fuel to fire for NYC mayor
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams was peppered with questions Monday about if there is a culture of corruption at City Hall.
The mayor faced scrutiny at an event where he attempted to highlight what he perceives as the successes of his administration.
“I was elected by the people of the city, and I’m going to fulfill my obligation to the people of the city,” Adams said when asked about if he would consider stepping down.
Adams repeatedly attempted to brush off questions about his ability to continue on as mayor with federal authorities putting his city government under a microscope.
Adams downplayed federal indictments brought against two former fire chiefs Monday — saying the alleged corruption began during former Mayor Bill de Blasio's time.
“Our administration became aware of it, took the proper steps, and reported the action,” Adams said.
But the FDNY indictments are only adding fuel to the fire. The feds have for some time been looking at the mayor’s fundraising practices, and more recently at top NYPD officials. Separately, top staff close to the mayor, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, had their homes raided by the FBI.
The U.S. attorney refused to update those other investigations while charging the fire chiefs Monday.
Over the weekend, the Mayor’s Chief Council at City Hall Lisa Zornberg suddenly resigned. She reportedly told Adams to begin firing those around him.
Adams was asked if Zornberg told him to clean house. The mayor said he would not comment on a private conversation and quickly pivoted.
Adams repeatedly tried to direct the conversation to the latest Mayor’s Management Report, which shows falling crime numbers, increases in child care support, and the city becoming the biggest composter in the nation.
“Oftentimes history is someone else writing your story. I’m going to write my own story,” Adams said.