A Justice Department official urged a federal judge Wednesday to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, sparking accusations of political interference and resignations among prosecutors. Deputy U.S. Attorney General Emil Bove argued the case unduly hindered Adams' ability to address immigration and crime ahead of June's Democratic primary.
Judge Dale E. Ho delayed his ruling but emphasized urgency: It's not in anyone's interest for this to drag on. Adams, charged with accepting $100,000+ in illegal campaign gifts from Turkish interests, declared:
I have not committed a crime. I'm not afraid of that.
Seven federal prosecutors resigned after alleging the dismissal resulted from a quid pro quo deal. Former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon warned the DOJ move violated guidelines against coercive behavior, noting:
- New obstruction charges were imminent
- Five high-ranking DOJ officials stepped down
- Prosecutors supported appointing special counsel
Bove dismissed ethics concerns, claiming the request aligned with Trump-era policies on limiting weaponizedjustice systems. Chad Mizelle, chief of staff to Attorney General Pam Bondi, defended the decision on social media, arguing the case relied on an overbroad interpretation of corruption law.
With Governor Kathy Hochul considering Adams' removal and critical primaries approaching, legal experts warn this clash could:
- Set dangerous precedents for prosecutorial independence
- Impact voter trust in election integrity
- Complicate federal-local cooperation on immigration
Former Watergate prosecutor Philip Lacovara joined seven ex-U.S. attorneys in urging Judge Ho to reject the dismissal or appoint a special counsel. The hearing concluded without resolution, leaving New York's political landscape in unprecedented uncertainty.