Activist Jumaane Williams Will Become New York City Mayor if Eric Adams Resigns Amid Probe, Sparking Concern
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, marking a historic moment as the first sitting mayor to face such charges in nearly two centuries.
The news has sparked widespread debate and concern for the city, especially considering public advocate Jumaane Williams would become the acting Mayor if Adams were to step down.
The New York Times reported that Williams “has been readying himself” as investigations swirled around Adams’ administration.
Two sources revealed that Williams has been slowly working behind the scenes to prepare for the looming takeover, even though Adams said he would not resign over the federal investigations against him.
Williams recently told reporters that he didn’t believe Adams would be able to navigate them.
“As the facts emerge, the public advocate will have more to say to the people of New York City, and right now, he is focused on how best to ensure that New Yorkers can regain trust, confidence and stability in city government,” his office said in a statement, per the Times.
One X user highlighted how harmful Williams as acting Mayor would be on the city, calling the public advocate and reported Black Lives Matter activist a “piece of sh*t socialist.”
“Hope you’re ready for some REAL Communism, New York City!” he continued.
“We’re about to get a dry run of a Harris-Walz presidency!”
Adams’ indictment, expected to be unsealed Thursday by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, stems from a federal probe that has cast a shadow over City Hall for months.
The New York Post reported that sources close to the investigation reveal that Adams will surrender to authorities early next week.
The mayor, however, remains defiant in the face of these allegations.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would become a target — and a target I became,” Adams stated, maintaining his innocence and vowing to fight the charges “with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
The exact nature of the accusations remains unclear, but sources close to the Post suggest they may be linked to allegations of illegal campaign funding from the Turkish government.
The investigation reportedly centers on a potential quid pro quo arrangement involving the approval of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
This development follows a series of raids in September that targeted high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration, sending shockwaves through City Hall.
The indictment is also expected to name Brianna Suggs, Adams’ top campaign fundraiser, and Winnie Greco, his Director of Asian Affairs, along with at least three others.
The federal probe has cast a wide net, with prosecutors demanding all communications between the Adams administration and several foreign countries, including Turkey, Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.
These requests have raised questions about the scope and implications of the investigation.
Mayor Adams, known for his vocal criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, has positioned himself as a defender of New York City’s interests in the face of what he describes as federal neglect.
“The national government has turned its back on New York City,” Adams stated earlier this year, highlighting the strain placed on the city by the influx of over 250,000 migrants since 2022.
The Post further reported that as the city grapples with the financial burden of the migrant crisis, estimated to cost upwards of $12 billion by 2026, Adams has repeatedly called for increased federal support.
This stance has put him at odds with Washington, a dynamic that now intersects with his legal troubles.
The indictment marks a significant moment in New York City’s political history.
The Post noted that while several recent mayors have faced corruption investigations, none have resulted in charges against the city’s top official.
The last time a sitting mayor faced legal action of this magnitude was in 1932 when Mayor Jimmy Walker resigned amid an investigation, though he was never formally charged.
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