Fresh off pleading not guilty to federal charges including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting campaign donations from foreign nationals, Mayor Eric Adams made a stop to pray for the city — and maybe himself — in Jamaica, Queens Saturday.
“I do a lot of praying, and I’m looking forward when I leave here, to go on and continue to do what I do, moving our city forward. That is what needs to take place now,” Adams said.
What You Need To Know
- Fresh off pleading not guilty to federal corruption charges, Mayor Eric Adams made a stop to pray for the city — and maybe himself — in Jamaica, Queens
- Adams was officially present to celebrate Rev. Stephen Green, newly installed at the prominent Methodist Church
- Adams is the only person charged in the five-count criminal indictment, but federal investigators from the U.S. Southern District of New York are probing members of the NYPD and several top City Hall aides
- A spokesman for the city said taxpayers are not paying for Adams' legal defense related to the federal charges
Officially present to celebrate Rev. Stephen Green, newly installed at the prominent Methodist Church. Adams gave leadership advice, welcomed by a friendly crowd of the faithful.
“You build a farm team, you build a team of young people of all ethnicity but partially the African American ancestry,” Adams said.
But the mayor also appeared to draw parallels with his own recent experiences.
“We know that there are going to be some good days, some bad days — some days we wish we wouldn’t have got out of bed and some days we wish we would have stayed in bed,” Adams said.
Adams is the only person charged in the five-count criminal indictment, but federal investigators from the U.S. Southern District of New York are probing members of the NYPD and several top City Hall aides.
Gov. Kathy Hochul possesses the ability to remove Adams from office, under powers provided in the state constitution and New York City Charter.
But she’s not there yet, instead saying in a statement that the ball is in his court.
Dancing with Harlem seniors Friday night, it’s part of Adams’ attempt to show New Yorkers he’s keeping it together.
“Little did she [Adams’ mother] know that out of those six children she loved, she adored me. And her baby, that when through so many trials and tribulations, would become the second Black mayor of the most important city on the globe.”
Adams is due back in court Wednesday. A spokesman for the city said taxpayers are not paying for his legal defense related to the federal charges.