In a stunning development, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that the federal bribery case against him is over, citing a U.S. Department of Justice directive ordering prosecutors to drop the charges.
In an address to New Yorkers, Adams declared his innocence, maintaining that he never traded political power for personal gain.
Despite Adams’ proclamation, the case has not yet been formally dismissed in court. No motion to drop the charges has been filed, and any such move would require the approval of U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho.
DOJ Orders Dismissal, Cites Ethics and Politics
A memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed federal prosecutors in Manhattan to dismiss the bribery and corruption charges against Adams. However, the memo explicitly stated that the decision was not based on the strength of the evidence, but rather on political and ethical concerns.
Bove pointed to the timing of the indictment, suggesting that the case may have been politically motivated, given Adams’ public criticism of former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
