New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has been rocked by a series of resignations following an FBI investigation into several key aides. Just three days after the controversy broke, New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Chief Legal Advisor Lisa Zornberg both stepped down. The turmoil at City Hall continues as progressive Democratic Party officials publicly call for the mayor to step down.
Mayor Adams, on the 17th, responded to the recent investigations by saying it was “inconvenient to comment” and that he would “focus on doing his own work.”
Progressive Caucus member Tiffany Cabán, a councilwoman from Queens, took to social media on September 16th, criticizing Adams’ administration as corrupt and mismanaged. She pointed to the ongoing investigations of over 15 aides and argued that Adams’ budget cuts to vital services and enabling police misconduct demonstrated his unsuitability for office. She concluded that “New York deserves better. It’s time for him to resign.”
Echoing similar sentiments, councilwoman Alexa Avilés from Brooklyn, also a member of the Progressive Caucus, shared reports on police misconduct investigations, emphasizing the need for new leadership in the city.
Using the hashtag #RenunciaEric (#ResignEric) in Spanish, Avilés called for Adams to step down. State Senator Julia Salazar and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher joined the chorus, demanding Adams’ resignation in wake of Commissioner Caban’s departure.
Gallagher, representing Brooklyn’s Williamsburg area, criticized Adams for his dismissive attitude and harming the city residents. State Senator Salazar concurred, highlighting the need for accountability in government and denouncing the negative impact of the FBI investigations on the city.
Both Salazar and Gallagher are members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
If Adams were to step down before the 2025 mayoral election, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will serve as interim mayor.
Williams, in a recent interview with Fox News, expressed concerns about the ongoing investigations surrounding Adams’ administration. He called the situation “exhausting” and unprecedented, emphasizing the need for proper responses to the escalating controversy.
While several key aides around Adams are under FBI investigation, including Education Director David Banks, Deputy Mayors Philip Banks III and Sheena Wright, as well as former Police Commissioner Caban, neither Adams nor his aides have been charged with any crimes, and the reasons for the investigations remain undisclosed.
Following Commissioner Caban’s resignation citing inability to focus on his duties amid investigations, Chief Legal Advisor Zornberg also resigned, citing her own incompetence for the role. Reports surfaced that Zornberg resigned after failing to convince Adams to dismiss three aides under FBI scrutiny.
According to the New York Post, the three aides in question are Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, Adams’ trusted advisor Timothy Pearson, responsible for immigration contracts, and Asian Affairs Director Winnie Greco. Issues of undisclosed income sources and conflicting work arrangements were raised, prompting Zornberg’s moral qualms.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 17th, Adams was grilled about his loyalty to Pearson. He defended his hiring practices, claiming loyalty to over 300,000 city employees and emphasizing competence over personal connections.
Adams refused to comment further on the ongoing FBI investigations into his aides, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.