(NewsNation) — Former New York Gov. David Paterson says there is no clear evidence of wrongdoing to justify Gov. Kathy Hochul suspending Mayor Eric Adams, though he acknowledges Hochul’s right to hold meetings about the mayor’s fate.
The comments come as Hochul weighs whether to remove Adams from office following the resignation of four deputy mayors.
“Where’s the picture of Eric Adams punching a policeman? Where’s a picture of Eric Adams shoplifting? There’s no evidence,” Paterson said Tuesday on NewsNation’s “CUOMO,” suggesting that Democrats who oppose Adams should challenge him in the upcoming June primary instead.
Paterson said the Justice Department is directly responsible for the political crisis engulfing Adams, arguing that federal prosecutors deliberately maintained leverage over the mayor by dismissing charges “without prejudice.”
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Paterson said the Justice Department’s decision means prosecutors “can bring this back” whenever they want, suggesting the move was designed to ensure Adams’ compliance with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“If they felt that Eric Adams was starting to become too independent … that they would be embarrassed, and he would mess up their plan to really drag every migrant out of New York that they possibly can,” they could reopen the case, Paterson said.
Adams has vowed to remain in office despite the escalating crisis. If Hochul were to attempt removal, it would mark the first such action against a New York City mayor in more than 200 years.
The mayor and the Department of Justice are scheduled to appear before a judge Wednesday regarding the case dismissal request.
