By National Action Network
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
NEW YORK, NY (February 11, 2025) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s directive for the Southern District of New York to drop its charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Rev. Sharpton will convene New York City and State’s top Black elected officials in the coming days to determine a unified course of action.
“I am concerned about last night’s developments, particularly that this directive says the Mayor should not go to trial so he can work on President Trump’s policies on immigration and crime. It is unheard of in a criminal justice proceeding to suggest you not deal with the criminal allegations for political or policy reasons. So if the Mayor were to disagree with the President, does that mean they have the right to call a trial on him at any time? It certainly sounds like President Trump is holding the Mayor hostage.
That is simply not fair to the City of New York. I have spoken to several elected officials and clergy, whom I convened early in the Mayor’s term, to meet between now and the weekend to decide where we will go. Because we have clearly crossed the Rubicon.
Further, I do not believe Damien Williams, the first Black U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, would have allowed his office to be weaponized. There has been no evidence presented or represented of such in this decision. As much as I am a friend and supporter of Eric Adams, I do not believe in disparaging another Black man who rose up in the ranks in this case.
My greater concern is with the stranglehold Donald Trump has already put on the Justice Department. I have supported the Mayor, but he has been put in an unfair position — even for him — of essentially political blackmail. President Trump pardoned January 6th rioters who beat police, but did not pardon the Mayor, who may be guilty. The argument that prosecutors cannot bring a case nine months before a primary is nonsense, considering that would also preclude any Congressional candidate from running every two years. They’re talking to New Yorkers as if we have no sense of a game being played — when we have the ability to spot one before it even starts.”
About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender.
For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.
