Amidst the bustle of the lower Manhattan, Foley Square serves as a natural draw for the multitude of tourists returning to the island post their Brooklyn Bridge walk. An unusual commotion comprising photographers and camera crews awaited them at the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse on Wednesday morning.
The object of their focus was none other than Eric Adams, the New York mayor, baffling or disappointing curious onlookers who were intrigued by the vigil. Adams, burdened with accusations of historical fraud and corruption, has made history, becoming the first of the 110 New York mayors since 1665 to be indicted.
Meanwhile, a handful of protestors wielding placards occupied the opposite side of the street. They watched two wedding parties pass by, inciting spontaneous applause from the bystanders. Legal proceedings are no stranger to this city corner, with Donald Trump’s infamous felony trial held at the nearby Centre Street courthouse just last April.
Although Adams’ hearing hasn’t sparked the same public frenzy, his election as city mayor in 2021 and subsequent flamboyance have not been without controversy. He is known for his love for nightlife and fine dining and has put forth a bold statement, categorizing Americans into New Yorkers and those aspiring to be one.
This echoes writer John Updike’s witty remark about New Yorkers’ presumption of non-residents living a somewhat unfulfilled existence. Adams, a native New Yorker who rose from the depths of poverty in 1960s Brooklyn, altered the course of his troubled youth by dedicating twenty years to the NYPD and eventually shifting to politics, displaying an astonishing rise.
However, his mayoral decisions – slashing funds for libraries and schools, increasing rents via New York’s Rent Guidelines Board (nine members, all mayoral appointees) causing an uproar in June – reflected a 9% rent hike in three years following his mayoral induction. These policies hardly portray him as a hero of the people.
In September 2023, it was issued that the flood of immigrants “will obliterate New York city”. Additionally, rap artist Sean “Diddy” Combs, presently detained in a Brooklyn seaside prison on several counts of sex trafficking and other offenses, was given the coveted key to New York city just the previous year, a choice which hasn’t proved wise with time. Even with Adams’s analogy seeming odd in a city marked by its remarkable recovery from the tragic events of 9/11 in the past two decades.
“I’m steering the plane. And you all are the passengers. You must hope for the safe landing of this plane. Stop wishing for its crash.”
Adams thus finds himself in an odd situation, continuing to serve a doubtful public that has recently identified him as “perhaps the most peculiar mayor in the city’s history” by television comedian John Oliver.
As Adams appeared from the courthouse on Wednesday, he did not pause to talk to the press and paid no heed to the shouts of “Eric the Corruptor” emerging from the other side of the street.
The past week saw the ignition of an inquiry that commenced almost twelve months ago with the striking announcement that US prosecutor Damian Williams has pinpointed mayor Adams as the single defendant in a five-charge federal unsealed accusation. A grand jury indicated that from 2014 onwards, while serving as the borough president of Brooklyn, Adams allegedly accepted what are deemed as “inappropriate valuable benefits”.
In concise terms, he is alleged of receiving benefits of deluxe travel and lavish accommodation worth $100,000 from Turkish business circles. The accusation suggests that the motive behind these presents was that Adams could expedite the establishment of their consulate in the city without the necessary fire inspection ahead of a visit by Turkey’s leader Recep Erdogan. He is also facing charges for taking unlawful contributions to his election campaign.
Even though Adams has rejected any illicit conduct, he is in the middle of a controversy. On Wednesday, deputy US advocate Hagan Scotten stated in court that it is “probable” more charges will be laid against him.
As Adams stepped out from the courthouse on Wednesday, he did not halt for a conversation with the media and overlooked the outcry of “Eric the Corruptor” from the opposing side of the road.
A protester, amplifying their voice through a megaphone, labelled New York’s Mayor, a ‘disgrace’, criticising those leaders who support him and relating such behaviour to the unconditional admiration some bear for Donald Trump. They highlighted the perceived crookedness of the leader and commented negatively on the systematic resignations in the administration. The speaker was adamant in their refusal to accept him as mayor anymore.
In response, Adams expressed his determination to stay, disregarding the resignations inside his administration and the proposal by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that he should leave his post. Adams rebutted her accusation by criticising those who believe individuals facing serious charges shouldn’t be in jail, yet demand his resignation based merely on speculation and gossip, without any actual charges. He labelled this as ‘hypocrisy’. Adam expressed his commitment to protecting the city from such fraudulent politics.
In response, Adams has secured Alex Spiro as his principal legal representative. His hefty hourly fee of $2,000 will not be covered by the city. While Adams earns around $250,000 annually, his estimated net worth stands at a substantial $10 million due to additional income from speaking engagements and sales of his books.
Spiro has requested to discard the charges. In a press briefing, he reasoned that Adams had simply received the typical amenities provided to public figures a decade ago. He mentioned examples such as corner suites, restaurant priority seating, complimentary appetisers, and regular refills on iced tea. He argued these aren’t considered federal offences. “Common courtesies are not violation of the federal law,” Spiro claimed, alluding to more complex motivations behind the accusations.
Indictments are simply lawyers eagerly drafting their accusations against an individual in a room. It seems they were overjoyed to disclose it to the press that they tossed aside their ethical responsibilities. The revelation of grand jury evidence comes with severe consequences. Might their next maneuver be to dispatch a dozen federal agents to Gracie Mansion? There’s buzz around a raid on Gracy Mansion. One should ponder their motives for continuously alerting the media each time they confiscate a mobile phone.
What we’re looking at is a legal scenario reminiscent of Gotham city. A characteristic display of Adams was to grace public events to the tune of Jay-Z and Alicia Key’s tribute to the city, Empire State of Mind. It is likely that this anthem will take a backseat as he endeavours to reassure his constituents that all is well. However, the spotlight remains firmly on Eric Adams. He was known for proclaiming his bravado on his path to success. He’ll certainly need that confidence in these trying times.