The accusations made against Mayor Eric Adams are serious, substantial, and pervasive. He’s going to need to put every ounce of his being into protecting himself from these charges at a time when every ounce of his being should be going to the protection of the people of New York City. The Mayor cannot lead this city, nor can he in good faith ask the public to put their trust in him. I ask the Mayor to put New Yorkers first and resign.

This is an extraordinarily difficult day for New York City. I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers. Our judicial system is based on the foundational principle that all of us are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Yet those of us who have chosen a career in elected office know that we're held to a higher standard. Given the responsibilities we hold as public servants, that's entirely appropriate. New Yorkers deserve to know that their municipal government is working effectively, ethically and in the best interests of the people – driving down crime, educating our kids and ensuring basic city services continue unabated. It's now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead in that manner. My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City. While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.

Our city needs effective, transparent leadership that is responsive to the urgent needs of its people. Today’s indictment—after months of investigations—raises serious concerns about Mayor Adams’s ability to fulfill those responsibilities. The indictment of Mayor Adams, the first in our city’s history for a sitting mayor, is deeply troubling. While the Mayor is innocent until proven guilty, the city deserves a leader who can retain trust and focus fully, without distraction, on the issues impacting New Yorkers. For the benefit of all New Yorkers, and to spare the city from further disruption, Mayor Adams must immediately resign and allow for real leadership to move us forward.

The indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams is serious and as a matter of public trust deserves fair and judicious treatment by the public. The main tenet of the United States justice system is that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Due process must run its course, allowing for a jury of his peers to render a verdict. As this situation unfolds, I will continue to focus on serving the people of New York’s 5th Congressional District.