NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Instead of rubbing elbows with key politicians who hold the key to his future Monday night, Mayor Eric Adams was a no-show at Rev. Al Sharpton's birthday, instead focusing on earning back the trust of voters at a separate event.
Some of New York City’s most influential Black leaders, including Council Member Yusef Salaam, DA Alvin Bragg, NY Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Council Speaker Adrianne Adams, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, gathered in Columbus Circle Monday night.
“[Mayor Adams] had a previous engagement, I’m told,” Sharpton said.
Just days after his criminal indictment, Sharpton noted it was too soon to gauge Adams’ effectiveness as a mayor. The Civil Rights leader revealed part of their conversation from last week: “He told me he’s going to prove his innocence. I told him fine, but that I’m concerned about the city and not establishing a precedent that’s not good.”
Governor Kathy Hochul also attended the birthday party. Before the program, Sharpton expressed his desire for Hochul to take her time regarding any decisions about Adams’ future as mayor: “I’m confident she’ll make the right decision.”
Earlier in the day, Hochul commented on her expectations of Adams: “I’m giving the mayor a chance to demonstrate to New Yorkers and me that we are righting the ship.”
Also on Monday, the mayor's attorney filed a motion to dismiss one of the five charges—bribery—arguing it criminalizes routine conduct. “Courtesies to politicians are not federal crimes,” said attorney Alex Spiro. “They do not violate federal law... they get corner suites, better tables, and free appetizers.”
PIX11 News inquired about who is funding Spiro's services. According to the Conflict-of-Interest Board, a private trust was established last year to help cover Adams’ costs, which has raised over $1 million.
Adams is due back in federal court on Wednesday, the judge's could decide whether some of the charges will be dismissed.
