Mayor Eric Adams, who is under the microscope, is trying to get back to other issues confronting the city Wednesday.

“Rats impact the quality of life more than we realize,” Adams said.

Adams has been on a campaign to show he is not distracted by ongoing federal probes around him and his administration.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Eric Adams continued his push to address city issues as he tries to get past his administration’s controversies on Wednesday

  • Adams used the day to focus on two of his top issues: rats and public safety

  • Wednesday also marked Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks’ first public appearance since FBI search warrants were executed on his home

Wednesday was another sign he was trying to turn the page, starting with addressing the first national urban rat summit. The two-day event will include attendance from researchers and officials from across the country and Canada.

“It’s not just a passing conversation. People used to come to us shaking and tears in their eyes. Their homes were being hijacked, they could no longer enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” he said. 

“I don’t think there’s been a mayor in history who says just how much he hates rats. I dislike rats,” he added.  

Adams followed that event up with another one on the initial results of a new task force aimed at removing so-called “ghost cars” from New York City streets. 

The operation which started in early September will target unregistered, uninsured and stolen parked cars. 

“These cars are a pain in the ass,” he said. “They want to do whatever they want to do and not only do they address the issues of not paying tolls, but they also are very much part of the criminal element that we’re witnessing in this city.” 

Adams was joined at the press conference by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.

This was Banks’ first public appearance since FBI search warrants were executed at his home, as well as on his brother, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and another brother, Terence, who is a political consultant.

“This is not just about evading tolls, these are people who are committing crimes, they’re robbing, they’re stealing,” Banks said. 

Phil Banks’ presence at the event could be interpreted as a sign that he continues to have the support of the mayor.

Banks, according to reports, was one of multiple officials former chief counsel to Adams, Lisa Zornberg had recommended be fired amid the federal investigations.

But when asked about the federal probes, Banks was more interested in talking sports.

“Any word on the FBI raids? New York Knicks,” he said.