Federal corruption charges have been leveled against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, igniting calls from various quarters for him to depart from his role.

In an unprecedented event, a sitting New York City mayor, Eric Adams, has been indicted for alleged corrupt activities spanning a decade, and many are now calling for him to effectuate what would still be a shocking resignation, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The indictment, which is 57 pages long, details a series of corruption allegations against Adams over ten years. This situation marks the first time a current mayor of the city has faced criminal charges while in office.

Immediate reactions have varied, with several federal, state, and city officials urging Adams to step down to focus on his legal battles.

Among them, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso have made public calls for his resignation.

Political Parties Unite in Call for Resignation

Voices from across the political spectrum, including the New York City Democratic Socialists, the New York Working Families Party, and the New York Conservative Party, have all echoed the sentiment that Adams should either resign or be removed from office.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis expressed a particularly strong view, arguing that Mayor Adams has failed the city and broken public trust, necessitating his resignation or removal by Governor Kathy Hochul.

However, Gov. Kathy Hochul has so far refrained from demanding Adams's resignation, instead stating that she is closely monitoring the situation and its developments.

Diverse Opinions on Due Process and Presumption of Innocence

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who would be next in line for the mayor's office, described the charges as "incredibly serious" but stopped short of calling for Adams’s resignation, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Former mayors Rudy Giuliani and Bill de Blasio, along with other officials like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have emphasized the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

They argue this foundational legal right must be upheld, despite the serious nature of the allegations.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, leader of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, also highlighted the constitutional rights to due process and presumption of innocence, pointing to Adams’s long service to the city, first as a police officer and then as mayor.

Public Figures Reflect on Implications of Indictment

Lander remarked on the dilemma facing Adams, acknowledging his right to due process but noting the immense distraction the charges could pose to his mayoral duties.

"Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves due process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city," said Lander.

Reynoso urged Adams to prioritize the city's needs above his own, suggesting resignation as the most responsible course of action.

Former Mayors and Leaders Advocate for Caution, Fairness

Giuliani recalled historical precedents in which political figures were presumed guilty in the court of public opinion only to be found innocent, cautioning against rushing to judgment based on allegations alone.

De Blasio offered a nuanced take, affirming Adams’s entitlement to defend his innocence while also pointing out the necessity for him to explain how he would manage the city effectively during this challenging period.

Jeffries, expressing a deep concern for the city’s welfare, hoped for a fair trial and a just resolution, underscoring the significance of the presumption of innocence in American justice.