NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams had one item on his public schedule for Saturday, which was to deliver remarks at a Queens church’s installation of a new reverend, the first time he has spoken publicly since pleading not guilty to federal corruption charges.
As parishioners arrived at the Greater Cathedral Church in Jamaica to welcome Pastor Stephen Green, many told 1010 WINS that they were supportive of the mayor despite his indictment, including Shirley Griffin.
“He’s not given up, and he said he’s innocent, so I’m trying to believe that he is and I’m praying that he is,” she said.
The mayor was at the church at 10 a.m., and followed up the congregation’s rendition of “O Lord How Great Thou Art” with a brief speech, during which he indicated that his mother would be proud of him.
“Out of those six children she loved, she adored me. And her baby that went through so many trials and tribulations would become the second Black mayor of the most important city on the globe,” Adams said.
While speaking to reporters after the service, Adams—who often talks publicly about his faith and was re-baptized by the Rev. Al Sharpton earlier this year—again declined to mention the indictment, but focused instead on “the power of prayer” and doing his job as mayor.
“I do a lot of praying, and I’m looking forward [to] when I leave here, to go on and continue to do what I do, moving our city forward,” Adams said. “That is what needs to take place now.”
Adams has consistently said he intends to remain in his position as mayor, despite growing calls from other elected officials for his resignation.
Following his arraignment Friday, the mayor was released on bail under the condition that he cannot contact any witnesses listed in the Southern District of New York’s five-count indictment, which accuses him of accepting improper gifts, including illegal campaign donations from foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
“There are no emails, text messages, or any corroboration whatsoever that the mayor knew about anything having to do with these campaign donations,” Adams’ attorney Alex Spiro said after court on Friday. “The entire body of evidence is one staffer, one staffer that says there was a conversation.”