Statement by Comptroller Brad Lander on Indictment of Mayor Eric Adams

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to reports that Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted:

“First and foremost, this is a sad day for New Yorkers. Trust in public institutions — especially City Hall — is essential for our local democracy to function and for our city to flourish. The hardworking people of New York City deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they don’t have it.

“Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves due process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city.

“The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands.

“At this urgent moment, the City’s leaders must focus on how we can best enable steady governance so that New York City can move forward and thrive. As the comptroller of the city, I will do everything I can to help ensure this happens.”