New Yorkers are never ones to hold back their opinions, and with Mayor Eric Adams now facing serious federal charges, the city is buzzing – and not all in a good way.
Reactions are pouring in after the shocking news of Mayor Adams’ federal indictment. The charges include bribery, campaign finance violations and conspiracy, shaking up City Hall and leaving many New Yorkers with strong feelings on the matter.
"From the beginning, I did not like him," said Suzanne Veljovic, a resident of the Upper West Side.
Another Upper West Side resident, Arnold Sidney, added, "He’s a politician. I’m not surprised."
The indictment alleges that Adams abused his power for nearly a decade. Federal prosecutors claim he accepted illegal donations and pressured the FDNY to open a Turkish government building without conducting the proper fire safety inspection. Despite these serious allegations, Adams is urging New Yorkers to withhold judgment until the legal process unfolds.
"If he really is an honest and innocent person, then he’s kind of dumb," said Ann Jonas, also from the Upper West Side. "When you’re in public office, especially if you have enemies, you’ve got to be very careful that nothing even creates an appearance of wrongdoing."
Calls for Adams’ resignation are growing louder, with Comptroller Brad Lander and several state lawmakers demanding the mayor step down. Some New Yorkers share that sentiment.
"I’m glad to see him in trouble, and I hope he gets kicked out real soon," said Ed, a Manhattan resident.
However, not everyone is eager to see Adams resign just yet. Arnold Sidney noted, "That’s why we have courts. Whatever they find, they find."
Kenneth Butler, another Manhattan resident, echoed the importance of due process. "He is privy to due process. The law says he’s innocent until proven guilty, so let him go to court and fight it out. If Donald Trump, who has 34 indictment counts against him, is still walking around a free man, this man has a right also."
The case is now in the hands of U.S. District Judge Dale Ho.