New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing serious allegations in a 57-page federal indictment which includes one count of wire fraud, soliciting foreign contributions, bribery, conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. Social Studies teacher Marianna Paone commented, “It further corrodes public trust in elected officials.”
These charges stem from a 3 year long investigation focusing on his relationships with the Turkish government, dating back to his time as Brooklyn borough president in 2014. The investigation has raised concerns over foreign donations and the approval of a Turkish government building in New York City, despite safety concerns.
Already his fundraising chief, Briana Suggs, and director of protocol, Rana Abbasova, have left their positions of power due to the scandal this investigation is bringing, which involves nearly two dozen people.
Eric Adams is still mayor and the indictment does not mean he has to step down. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the ability to suspend, then remove him, and the city council members could potentially vote on if Adam’s is still able to sufficiently do his job. If he leaves then public advocate Jumaane Williams would serve as a temporary mayor until another election would be held.
Questions have arisen whether Adam’s can become mayor in 2025, a position he is currently running for. Many politicians are worried that this will create political instability in the city government, as the public’s trust has been eroded. It also might influence public perception potentially affecting other politicians as the election for the 2025 mayor will begin on June 24. His trial is expected to last four to six weeks potentially continuing to the month of his election.
The case started reaching teenagers when singer Sabrina Carpenter teased that she had gotten the mayor indicted at her recent concert in New York City. This claim stems from her music video “Feathers,” which was slammed by critics for its violent and racy content, filmed in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The priest who permitted the shoot, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, thought it would make the younger generation more interested in going to church. Monsignor Jamie Giagntiello is under investigation for business dealings with the mayor’s former Chief of Staff, Frank Coronado, potentially linking him to Adams’ charges.
Photo sources: Brittanica and IMDB.
Indresh Chandel