Summary:

Mayor Eric Adams faces intense pressure to resign after federal corruption charges were dropped.
Manhattan's top federal prosecutor resigned, alleging a quid pro quo in the DOJ's decision.
Prominent Democrats, including AOC and other representatives are calling for Adams' resignation or removal.
Governor Hochul has the power to remove Adams but has not yet acted, citing the need for a thorough review.
The possibility of removing a sitting mayor through the charter's "inability" clause remains low.

NYC Mayor Adams Faces Calls for Resignation Amidst Corruption Scandal

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing intense pressure to resign after the Justice Department dropped federal corruption charges against him. This decision followed the resignation of Manhattan's top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, who accused the DOJ of a quid pro quo, suggesting the charges were dropped in exchange for Adams' cooperation on Trump's immigration policies. Sassoon claimed to have evidence of Adams committing crimes, including destroying evidence.

Political Fallout and Calls for Removal

Several prominent Democrats, including Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velazquez, have publicly called for Adams' resignation or removal from office. They express concerns about the implications of the dropped charges and potential compromises made by Adams. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado also joined the calls for resignation.

Hochul's Response and the Possibility of Removal

Governor Kathy Hochul, while acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations, has stated she needs time to assess the situation. She possesses the authority under the NYC Charter to remove the mayor, but such a move would be unprecedented. The last time a governor removed a city official was in the 1930s. The charter also outlines a process for declaring mayoral inability, which would require the agreement of four out of five members of a special committee.

The Future of Adams' Mayoralty

A move to remove Adams from office remains uncertain. While the calls for his resignation and removal are growing stronger, the political climate and the lack of precedent make a swift resolution unlikely.

Source: NBC New York