Rev. Al Sharpton says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) will be under pressure to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing five criminal charges stemming from a federal corruption investigation. He said it shouldn't be done.
“The governor should not be pressured to remove Eric Adams from the mayor's office,” Sharpton told the National Action Network. rally Saturday.
Adams is charged with wire fraud, solicitation of foreign contributions and bribery, but denied any wrongdoing charges at a news conference Thursday. He insisted he would not resign.
The civil rights leader added that Adams is responsible for deciding whether he can run the city and defend himself in court.
“If we decide that this guy can't run the city well or protect himself, we're going to have to make that decision,” he said.
The pastor also warned against setting a precedent by removing individuals who have been charged.
“Where is the precedent for an indictment that would require you to resign?” Mr. Sharpton questioned how people “believe that an indictment means a conviction.”
“Let the mayor decide where he wants to go,” Sharpton added.
Sharpton also said some people believe Adams was targeted, but he dismissed that idea.
“I don't think (President) Joe Biden targeted him.” [anybody]” he said, referring to the fact that the president's son Hunter Biden also faces charges.
Sharpton said he will host a “leadership meeting” next week, “but it will not be a press conference.” He said the meeting was to discuss things “in private” and come to “hopefully a consensus view” on recent events in New York.
