NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in New York City’s government, calling for an emergency meeting with key leaders to discuss the city’s stability.
The move comes amid reports of internal turmoil within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and the recent resignation of top officials.
Hochul appears to be plotting a coup against Mayor Adams after the Department of Justice dropped all charges against him last week. Democrats have accused Adams of conspiring with the federal government’s attempt to arrest illegal aliens convicted or accused of violent crimes after their unlawful entry into the United States.
“Bickering between state and city officials is a waste of time, and I refuse to go back to the days where our constituents are caught in the crossfire of political turf wars,” Hochul said in a statement.
Hochul specifically addressed the resignation of First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and other senior officials, calling them “strong partners” in her administration’s efforts to tackle crime, housing, and illegal cannabis operations. Their departures, she said, raise “serious questions about the long-term future of this Mayoral administration.”
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Hochul stopped short of suggesting direct state intervention, noting that removing a duly elected mayor would be an unprecedented step.
“In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly,” she said.
The governor emphasized that her priority remains the city’s stability, stating, “I will be monitoring this situation extraordinarily closely to ensure that the current crisis in City government is not shortchanging New Yorkers.”
