Mayor Eric Adams, along with other New York politicians, celebrated the New York Liberty on Thursday at City Hall.
“We want to send a message loud and clear. There are only two types of Americans: those who live in New York City and those who wish they could," Adams said. "This is the greatest city on the globe.”
What You Need To Know
- Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul appeared together on Thursday for the New York Liberty's ticker-tape parade
- The two also sat side-by-side to celebrate the WNBA champions. The public unity comes as Adams continues to be under indictment and among a slew of resignations.
- Elected officials who were also at the event included state Attorney General Letitia James, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
The Liberty won their first ever WNBA championship earlier this week.
The ticker-tape parade came at an opportune time for Adams, who has been bogged down for weeks with his indictment on corruption charges and a slew of City Hall resignations.
“It's about the greatest city on the globe having a bald-headed, earring-wearing mayor being able to lead this city with everyday people who make this city what it is," he said.
At one point during the celebration on Thursday, the crowd booed the mayor.
Other top New York officials at the parade included Gov. Kathy Hochul. She was on the same parade float as Adams and sat next to him during the ceremony — the closest the two have been in public since Adams was indicted.
It was a big difference from last week when the two marched separately at the Columbus Day Parade.
“To go to the game and see these women leave it all on the floor. The energy, the ambition, the drive they had. They are an inspiration to all of us, not just the thousands of little girls who can see themselves possibly rising up to this great position," she said.
Also in attendance was the state Attorney General Letitia James and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Some administration officials also attended, like Deputy mayors Ana Almanzar and Meera Joshi. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, senior adviser to the mayor, was on stage too.
Last month, Lewis-Martin had a search warrant executed at her home and phones seized by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
Other local officials present included the public advocate, city comptroller and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
“The first title is always the sweetest and our city has been beaming with pride all season long. It has been over 50-years since New York brought home a basketball championship and I'm elated that our women athletes made it happen,” the council speaker said.
One surprise guest was Tim Pearson, former senior adviser for public safety. He resigned in September amid multiple sexual harassment lawsuits and his connection to a federal probe.
