Mayor Eric Adams Turns to Prayer Amid Corruption Charges

Mayor Eric Adams Turns to Prayer Amid Corruption Charges

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a moment of deep political and personal crisis, New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended a church service in Queens on Saturday, just a day after being arraigned on federal public corruption charges. His visit to the Greater African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens, was both a symbolic and spiritual gesture, as Adams publicly leaned into his faith in the face of a five-count indictment accusing him of bribery, conspiracy, and other corruption-related offenses.

“The power of prayer!” Adams declared to reporters before addressing the congregation of around 100 worshippers. As quoted by The New York Post, Adams emphasized his reliance on faith to guide him through this turbulent time. “So I do a lot of praying, and I’m looking forward when I leave here to go on to continue to do what I do and move our city forward. That is what needs to take place now,” he said.

Adams, who has often spoken of his spiritual beliefs and claimed to have had a divine vision about becoming mayor, avoided questions about whether New York Governor Kathy Hochul might pressure him to resign. Under state law, Hochul has the authority to remove Adams from office, but she has yet to make any public comments about her intentions. The New York Post reported that Adams remained focused on his work, attending the installation service for the church’s new reverend, Stephen Green, rather than addressing his legal troubles head-on.

Adams touts ‘the power of prayer’ at Queens church a day after arraignment on corruption charges https://t.co/UElrAbKjyS pic.twitter.com/tZ0f8WQOfM

— New York Post (@nypost) September 28, 2024

The Saturday church service was not without controversy. Among those in attendance was Malcolm Smith, the former Democratic Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, who was convicted on federal corruption charges in 2015. Smith served seven years in prison for attempting to bribe his way onto the Republican ticket during the 2013 New York City mayoral race. The New York Post pointed out that Smith’s presence at the church, and his embrace with Mayor Adams, drew immediate criticism.

“Malcolm Smith was convicted of federal corruption charges including bribery, wire fraud, and extortion, and this is who the mayor is hanging out with days after he was indicted?” a Democratic city council member told The New York Post. The public perception of Adams associating with Smith, a disgraced figure, only added to the tension surrounding the mayor’s legal battle. The mayor, however, did not seem fazed by the scrutiny, continuing to focus on his faith and leadership at the church service.

Eric Adams, New York City legend #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/bTfAPYc5MR

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) September 29, 2024

Smith, who left the event without speaking to reporters, remains a polarizing figure in New York’s political landscape. According to The New York Post, some political insiders believe that Adams may find Smith’s experience valuable, especially as the mayor faces mounting pressure and the possibility of navigating through a protracted legal fight. “Looking at the threats the city is facing, Adams can’t afford to surround himself only with Catholic nuns,” an Albany insider remarked to The New York Post. “Smith has got a record, but he’s got juice,” the source added, hinting at Smith’s enduring influence despite his fall from grace.

Mayor Eric Adams was heckled by Black people outside Gracie Mansion for making his indictment about race and surrounding himself with Black supporters:

Heckler: “This is not a Black thing, this is a YOU thing!”

“You are a disgrace for all Black people in this city!”

Follow us pic.twitter.com/y1Vh2ZUYci

— LIVE LEAK OFFICIAL ®️ (@Daily_News86) September 29, 2024

Adams’ court appearance on Friday was the formal start of what could become a lengthy legal battle. The mayor pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include bribery, conspiracy, and other allegations stemming from an investigation into his dealings as a public official. The New York Post highlighted that Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has framed his leadership as divinely inspired. The mayor has repeatedly referenced a vision he claims to have received 30 years ago, in which he was told by God that he would become mayor on January 1, 2022 — the day he was sworn into office.

However, the federal charges against him threaten to upend that vision. If convicted, Adams could face severe legal and political consequences, including potential removal from office. Yet, despite the weight of these accusations, Adams has remained outwardly confident, frequently invoking his faith as a source of strength. The New York Post has noted that Adams’ public persona is heavily shaped by this belief in divine guidance, which he continues to rely on even as his legal troubles deepen.

The team includes @NYPDnews, @FDNY, and our NYCEM personnel, all ready to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Please keep them, their families, and all our brothers and sisters affected by the storm in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/fsxqKQ34z6

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 28, 2024

The fallout from Adams’ legal troubles could extend far beyond the courtroom. His administration, already grappling with a range of challenges from crime to housing issues, now faces the added burden of defending the mayor from corruption charges. Meanwhile, political observers are closely watching Governor Hochul, who has the legal authority to remove Adams from office if she deems his conduct sufficiently harmful to the public interest.

I put Eric Adams in my prayers every night, my glorious king will be redeemed one day pic.twitter.com/VSD0U7Cj8s

— tej (aka dealer) (@vivekchibberfan) September 26, 2024

According to The New York Post, the governor has so far remained silent on whether she would exercise this power. However, the possibility of her intervening looms large, especially as pressure mounts from Adams’ critics. Some argue that the mayor’s close association with figures such as Malcolm Smith, combined with the serious allegations against him, may make his position untenable in the long run.