Two Asian American elected leaders are joining the chorus calling for New York Mayor Eric Adams to resign following an indictment on campaign finance, bribery and conspiracy charges.
“The people of New York City…need a mayor who is able to devote full time and full energy,” State Sen. John Liu said to Documented. “For the good of all New Yorkers, [Adams] must resign immediately.”
State Sen Iwen Chu echoed those sentiments.
“Today’s indictment raises serious concerns about Mayor Adams’s ability to fulfill those responsibilities. Mayor Adams must immediately resign,” she said.
All acknowledged his is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Adams himself has remained firm that he will not step down after pleading not guilty.
The five-count federal indictment accuses him of accepting luxurious travel and other benefits from businesspeople and one Turkish government official in an attempt to buy influence from him, CNN reported.
“I’m going to step up. I’m not going to resign, I’m going to reign,” he said after attending service at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church, reported NBC New York. “This is a great moment to step up and show all New Yorkers, who are going through complexities in their lives, how you remained focused on your agenda and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Those not calling for his resignation acknowledge the seriousness of the charges and say they are concerned.
“For any New Yorkers concerned about the stability of our city government services, my office is here as a resource,” said State Assemblyperson Jenifer Rajkumar to CBS New York. “Every American deserves due process and equal protection under the law, including the Mayor of New York City.”
“It’s a sad and solemn time for our city,” Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) said on X. “New Yorkers are entitled to stability in their government, and to have their needs addressed…Queens residents and those throughout our city, deserve nothing else.”
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