New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office has responded strongly to the recent New York Times’ report that the FBI is investigating a federal corruption probe involving the mayor. According to the report, the authorities are looking into Adams’ possible involvement in pressuring New York Fire Department officials to approve the opening of a Manhattan skyscraper for the Turkish consulate, despite safety concerns.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg expressed disappointment in the possible leak of information by an FBI employee, saying it could prejudice the public and undermine the integrity of the law enforcement process. Zornberg also reiterated the mayor’s cooperation with the investigation and hoped for the same from the investigators.
The reported intervention by Adams happened during the summer of 2021, after he won the Democratic mayoral primary but before the November general election. At the time, he was serving his second term as Brooklyn borough president, which does not include jurisdiction over Manhattan. The FBI has reportedly been questioning FDNY officials since last spring.
While federal authorities and prosecutors have not yet officially revealed the subject of the investigation, a search warrant for the Brooklyn home of Adams’ top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, obtained by the Times, suggests that the investigation centers around the possible conspiracy between Adams’ campaign and the Turkish government to illegally funnel foreign money into the campaign.
On Friday, Adams’ attorney Boyd Johnson issued a statement saying that FBI agents had seized phones and an iPad from the mayor as part of their investigation into political fundraising during his 2021 campaign. The seizures occurred on Monday night as Adams was leaving a public event in Manhattan. Johnson emphasized that the mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation.
The FBI declined to comment on the Times’ report to Fox News Digital. In a statement issued by his campaign, Adams maintained his innocence, saying that as borough president, it was his responsibility to bring up issues to government agencies on behalf of his constituents and constituencies. He also reiterated his cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what evidence, if any, the FBI has against Adams. The mayor, who has just begun his term, has promised to work towards making New York City a better place for all its residents. However, this probe could potentially tarnish his reputation and create difficulties for him in achieving his goals. The people of New York will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds and will expect full transparency from the authorities and the mayor himself.
