NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks at church in Queens after pleading not guilty to charges
NEW YORK -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke publicly Saturday for the first time since pleading not guilty to federal bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance charges.
Adams briefly spoke to a gaggle of reporters waiting for him outside the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, where the mayor arrived for an event to celebrate its new pastor, Stephen Green.
"Right now, the power of prayer. And so I do a lot of praying, and I'm looking forward when I leave here to go on and continue to do what I do, moving our city forward. That is what needs to take place now. But today is Pastor Green's day," Adams said.
He did not specifically address the case or his chief advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who was just subpoenaed and had her phone seized by federal agents.
Watch Adams' entire remarks outside the church here.
In his speech inside the church, the mayor reflected on his upbringing and his mother's love.
"And her baby that went through so many trials and tribulations would become the second Black mayor of the most important city on the globe," he said.
Most parishioners who spoke to CBS News New York support the mayor in his vow to continue his mayoral duties even after his indictment Thursday.
"All I can do is pray for him," parishioner Denise Moore said.
"I wish him very well. I hope he stays in office. I hope more people believe that he's innocent first before– let him be proven guilty," parishioner Juan Mighty said.
But one parishioner described the mayor's appearance Saturday as just a show.
"If there is smoke, there gotta be a fire," she said. "And he needs to step down."
"Yes, I know there are those out there that will try to judge my life without reflecting on their lives, but I know the God I serve and He's still in charge ... So I lift you up in prayers and I ask you to lift me up in prayers. Let justice decide who's right and what's wrong. God is a just God. Bless you. Peace and prosperity to you," he said.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams hasn't spoken with Mayor Adams about indictment
On Saturday afternoon, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams attended a climate justice festival in Brooklyn. Should Adams step down, Williams would serve as mayor ahead of a special election. He says he hasn't spoken with the mayor.
"If I have to reach out, we'll reach out. But my staff always and still is communicating with the administration staff and the mayor's staff in terms of getting the business of the city done. Obviously in the time frame like this, with confusion and concern, that does get a little bit more difficult," Williams said.
The public advocate has not echoed mounting calls from local and state officials for the mayor to step down, saying he hopes Adams can help provide some stability for New Yorkers by restoring faith in the city government.
As Adams tries to push forward with business as usual, he's dealing with the fallout of a lengthy, 57-page federal indictment alleging he abused his power for nearly a decade.
Prosecutors in the Southern District of New York say Adams accepted improper gifts, including more than $100,000 in luxury travel and illegal campaign contributions from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
In his first court appearance Friday, the mayor pleaded not guilty to all five counts laid out in the indictment. He was released on bail under conditions that he cannot contact any witnesses or individuals named in the indictment.
Adams' attorney said he will file a motion to dismiss the case next week, adding, "We expect these charges to be dismissed."
The mayor faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all five counts. He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 2.
John graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University at Albany with dual majors in journalism and communication. He also minored in political science. During his senior year, he juggled both classes and a full-time job as a web producer for News10 ABC in Albany, New York.
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks publicly for 1st time since historic court appearance
By John Dias, Kristie Keleshian, Mark Prussin
/ CBS New York
NEW YORK -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke publicly Saturday for the first time since pleading not guilty to federal bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance charges.
Adams briefly spoke to a gaggle of reporters waiting for him outside the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, where the mayor arrived for an event to celebrate its new pastor, Stephen Green.
"Right now, the power of prayer. And so I do a lot of praying, and I'm looking forward when I leave here to go on and continue to do what I do, moving our city forward. That is what needs to take place now. But today is Pastor Green's day," Adams said.
He did not specifically address the case or his chief advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who was just subpoenaed and had her phone seized by federal agents.
In his speech inside the church, the mayor reflected on his upbringing and his mother's love.
"And her baby that went through so many trials and tribulations would become the second Black mayor of the most important city on the globe," he said.
Most parishioners who spoke to CBS News New York support the mayor in his vow to continue his mayoral duties even after his indictment Thursday.
"All I can do is pray for him," parishioner Denise Moore said.
"I wish him very well. I hope he stays in office. I hope more people believe that he's innocent first before– let him be proven guilty," parishioner Juan Mighty said.
But one parishioner described the mayor's appearance Saturday as just a show.
"If there is smoke, there gotta be a fire," she said. "And he needs to step down."
Saturday night, Adams attended a gospel music event in the Bronx, where he took the stage and delivered an impassioned speech.
"Yes, I know there are those out there that will try to judge my life without reflecting on their lives, but I know the God I serve and He's still in charge ... So I lift you up in prayers and I ask you to lift me up in prayers. Let justice decide who's right and what's wrong. God is a just God. Bless you. Peace and prosperity to you," he said.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams hasn't spoken with Mayor Adams about indictment
On Saturday afternoon, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams attended a climate justice festival in Brooklyn. Should Adams step down, Williams would serve as mayor ahead of a special election. He says he hasn't spoken with the mayor.
"If I have to reach out, we'll reach out. But my staff always and still is communicating with the administration staff and the mayor's staff in terms of getting the business of the city done. Obviously in the time frame like this, with confusion and concern, that does get a little bit more difficult," Williams said.
The public advocate has not echoed mounting calls from local and state officials for the mayor to step down, saying he hopes Adams can help provide some stability for New Yorkers by restoring faith in the city government.
Adams trying to go about business as usual
Gov. Kathy Hochul has not yet asked Adams to resign, but many City Council members and other notable leaders have.
As Adams tries to push forward with business as usual, he's dealing with the fallout of a lengthy, 57-page federal indictment alleging he abused his power for nearly a decade.
Prosecutors in the Southern District of New York say Adams accepted improper gifts, including more than $100,000 in luxury travel and illegal campaign contributions from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
In his first court appearance Friday, the mayor pleaded not guilty to all five counts laid out in the indictment. He was released on bail under conditions that he cannot contact any witnesses or individuals named in the indictment.
Adams' attorney said he will file a motion to dismiss the case next week, adding, "We expect these charges to be dismissed."
The mayor faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all five counts. He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 2.
In:- Queens
- Eric Adams
- New York City
- Jumaane Williams
John graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University at Albany with dual majors in journalism and communication. He also minored in political science. During his senior year, he juggled both classes and a full-time job as a web producer for News10 ABC in Albany, New York.
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