Rumors have been circulating in the New York media since Thursday (October 10) that Thomas Donlon, the acting commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), who has just assumed the role a few weeks ago, is also set to resign. Mayor Adams sarcastically commented that some media outlets seemed to be constantly predicting and reporting on the future as if they were holding crystal balls, but he did not outright deny the rumors.
According to reports from multiple media outlets including ABC television and the New York Post, NYPD Acting Commissioner Donlon is expected to resign over the weekend, with Mayor Adams set to appoint a permanent police commissioner next week.
“I’ve said this a thousand times already… When personnel announcements need to be made, that’s how we’ll do it,” the mayor responded when questioned about the matter during another news briefing on Thursday evening, with Donlon standing by his side. “When the need arises to transition from interim acting status to permanent status, whether it’s Tom (Donlon) or any other individual from within or outside of government, we will make an announcement because the police commissioner is a crucial position in our city.”
Up to this point, Adams has accepted the resignations of 10 city government officials, including Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III and First Deputy Mayor and Second in Command Sheena Wright.
Donlon was initially appointed as the interim police commissioner with an indefinite term, but Governor Hochu subsequently made it clear that she hoped the Mayor would exhibit stability among senior officials in the city government.
However, the Mayor repeatedly denied any interference from the Governor in the selection of New York City government officials.
“You’ve known me for many years, do you think I would be a puppet mayor and allow others to choose my government? Am I that kind of person?” Adams said in an interview on GMGT Live that same morning. “The Governor is a partner, and she has been supportive throughout my entire term.”
In recent external interviews, Adams has continuously stated, “I have done nothing wrong,” and emphasized the achievements he has secured for New York City, such as public safety, education, and welfare.
“I have served this city well, anyone who analyzes the remarks made about me will recognize that these accusations are lies and are false. I will not succumb to falsehoods, and no one can distort the facts or tarnish my name,” he remarked.
Additionally, according to the New York Post, former NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Information Technology Ben Tucker and current Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch are emerging as top candidates for the position of NYPD commissioner.