Adams Dodges Inquiries on Police Commissioner Amid Federal Investigation
During a press briefing, the mayor conveyed a sense of assurance in the NYPD on a broader scale.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Amidst a federal investigation that has embroiled his administration, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City did not affirm his support for Police Commissioner Edward Caban during a news conference on Tuesday. The commissioner's residence was searched by federal agents last week, unleashing turmoil within the administration’s top ranks.
At the conference, Mayor Adams avoided direct answers regarding Commissioner Caban's competence in leading the nation's biggest police force, instead praising the NYPD broadly.
“I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department,” Adams stated, evoking his own history with the department where he served for twenty years, retiring as a captain in 2006.
Reports by PMG suggest that Caban might soon resign, yet Adams refuted claims that he was pressuring Caban to step down. Adams met with Caban on Monday morning to discuss his potential resignation, a source informed. Despite plans to meet afterward with NYPD leaders, Caban did not show up, according to two people.
Moreover, Caban was absent from a 9/11 commemoration event on Monday, though he did attend a security meeting at police headquarters regarding the Jewish High Holidays and gave a brief speech before leaving through a side exit, multiple sources noted.
Persistent speculation suggests that Caban is facing mounting pressure to resign. Several other high-ranking officials in the Adams administration are also caught in the web of multiple federal investigations. Including the Mayor's first deputy mayor, the schools chancellor, and the deputy mayor for public safety—several have been subjects of searches or subpoenas, according to PMG and other media reports.
On Tuesday, communicating remotely from Gracie Mansion where he is isolating after testing positive for COVID, Adams addressed the media. During the unstable video conference, he assured his innocence and cooperation with authorities while expressing his dedication to the citizens of New York.
“The job I have as your mayor is the only one I’ve ever wanted,” Adams declared. “Serving you is an honor. It is also a responsibility. I want to assure you that I feel the awesome weight of that responsibility with my whole heart and I would never do anything to betray your trust.”
Adams expressed his surprise over the investigations and emphasized his serious approach towards them. Regarding further details on the federal inquiries, Adams and City Hall attorney Lisa Zornberg deflected, directing some questions to the police and others to federal officials.
Sheena Wright, Adams' first deputy mayor who also experienced a federal raid at her home last week, reiterated her dedication to New Yorkers, echoing the mayor’s sentiments. “I remain committed to serving New Yorkers each and every day,” Wright said. “I’m confident that I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Due to his COVID-19 quarantine, Adams will not attend the upcoming 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero. He mentioned experiencing mild symptoms such as a tickle in his throat and a slight runny nose.
Jeff Coltin contributed to this report.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
At the conference, Mayor Adams avoided direct answers regarding Commissioner Caban's competence in leading the nation's biggest police force, instead praising the NYPD broadly.
“I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department,” Adams stated, evoking his own history with the department where he served for twenty years, retiring as a captain in 2006.
Reports by PMG suggest that Caban might soon resign, yet Adams refuted claims that he was pressuring Caban to step down. Adams met with Caban on Monday morning to discuss his potential resignation, a source informed. Despite plans to meet afterward with NYPD leaders, Caban did not show up, according to two people.
Moreover, Caban was absent from a 9/11 commemoration event on Monday, though he did attend a security meeting at police headquarters regarding the Jewish High Holidays and gave a brief speech before leaving through a side exit, multiple sources noted.
Persistent speculation suggests that Caban is facing mounting pressure to resign. Several other high-ranking officials in the Adams administration are also caught in the web of multiple federal investigations. Including the Mayor's first deputy mayor, the schools chancellor, and the deputy mayor for public safety—several have been subjects of searches or subpoenas, according to PMG and other media reports.
On Tuesday, communicating remotely from Gracie Mansion where he is isolating after testing positive for COVID, Adams addressed the media. During the unstable video conference, he assured his innocence and cooperation with authorities while expressing his dedication to the citizens of New York.
“The job I have as your mayor is the only one I’ve ever wanted,” Adams declared. “Serving you is an honor. It is also a responsibility. I want to assure you that I feel the awesome weight of that responsibility with my whole heart and I would never do anything to betray your trust.”
Adams expressed his surprise over the investigations and emphasized his serious approach towards them. Regarding further details on the federal inquiries, Adams and City Hall attorney Lisa Zornberg deflected, directing some questions to the police and others to federal officials.
Sheena Wright, Adams' first deputy mayor who also experienced a federal raid at her home last week, reiterated her dedication to New Yorkers, echoing the mayor’s sentiments. “I remain committed to serving New Yorkers each and every day,” Wright said. “I’m confident that I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Due to his COVID-19 quarantine, Adams will not attend the upcoming 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero. He mentioned experiencing mild symptoms such as a tickle in his throat and a slight runny nose.
Jeff Coltin contributed to this report.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
