New York Mayor Eric Adams was absent from the 9/11 memorial service this year due to contracting COVID-19, though he held a private ceremony at Gracie Mansion. In an interview, he reflected on his memories as a first responder during 9/11 and emphasized the importance of never forgetting the lives lost. He expressed his disappointment in missing the event but reiterated the city’s resilience on 9/12, standing against terrorism. Adams also shared thoughts on current political debates and his continued support for NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban amidst ongoing investigations.
Tanya Rivero: The eyes of the tri-state and the country in Lower Manhattan this morning for the memorial service for victims of September 11th. One person not there, New York Mayor Adams, because he has COVID. But the mayor held a small ceremony of his own carrying a wreath from Gracie Mansion to the backyard, which is the East River.
Bill Ritter: The great backyard. Now he is back inside the mayor’s residence and joining us right now on Eyewitness News at 5 o’clock. Mr. Mayor, we know you wanted to be there at Ground Zero and we hope you’re getting better.
Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you very much. As you know, I was there for just about every year while I was in office for the most part. I may have missed once or twice, but it was so important to show how much that day meant to me.
I was a lieutenant at the time in the 88th Precinct. My kid brother was a sergeant and, you know, we exhaled when we learned that we were both all right. But, you know, that exhale didn’t last long because we lost a countless number of men and women who responded and moved towards that danger.
Ritter: I, you know, just have to wonder, had you been able to go today, you could have stood right next to Mayor Bloomberg, who maybe not by coincidence, stood in between President Biden and former President Trump. You could have been one of the people that gave them the okay to shake their hands today.
Mayor Adams: Well, I would have loved to have done that, but just being there with the other men and women who lost loved ones, hearing the names being called out, it sends a strong message that we will never forget and we will always remember, you know, all of us as New Yorkers gave some, but some gave all. But I always like to tell us, let’s remember 9/12 as well. We got up, we showed terrorists that we will never flee and never run.
Rivero: Good point. And mayor, you’re getting up. We hope you’re feeling a lot better after COVID. Are you over it yet? Or you still have a couple days that you need to to be sort of sequestered there?
Mayor Adams: The rule is five days and I’m going to test myself again on Friday and cross my fingers because it would be good to get back out there.
Rivero: Right. Well, all right. We’re hoping that for you as well. So, mayor, we do want to ask you about last night’s debate. As you know, it was the first time Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met in person. You’ve endorsed Harris. So with that in mind, what was your take on the debate?
Mayor Adams: I thought it was very well done. I believe Americans are going to have to make a decision on the direction of our country. I think the VP raised some important issues, everything from right to choose to what we want to do with our economy. And I look forward to a very lively campaign season.
Ritter: OK, let’s talk about some other things. As long as we have you there, we might as well have the mayor of New York talking about some of the things that I think a lot of people are thinking about. There are those in the City Council wanting the NYPD commissioner to resign. Where does all that stand in the boss’s eyes? You being the boss, where is that? The investigation is looking at whether he or the department looked the other way when it comes to nightclub businesses for his brother.
Mayor Adams: Well, you know, I’m extremely fond of Commissioner Caban. Over 30 something years of service, his dad being a former police officer as well. And let’s look at what he has done in the city after he took over after Commissioner Keechant Sewell. We had a straight eight months of decreasing crime in our cities and our subway system. Over 19,000 guns removed off the streets in the City of New York, dealing with the high level of demonstrations that we had, thousands of demonstrations after October 7th. Just a steady hand, and he’s going to make the determination of his next step, what he wants to do? I support the commissioner and the Police Department in the process.
Ritter: Okay, Mr. Mayor, thank you for joining us today. We hope you get better soon and appreciate you being here. By the way, Lee Goldberg says it’s going to be, because I know you like his forecast. It’s gonna be 80 degrees and sunny tomorrow. So he wanted me to tell you that.
Mayor Adams: I have a nice backyard with a nice view of the river. So, you know, I’ll sit on the porch.
Ritter: You’ve got a nice backyard.
7 Key Questions Midtown Tribune Wants to Ask Mayor Adams: 9/11 Reflections, COVID-19 Response, NYPD Issues, and Future City Plans
Questions:
- Reflections on 9/11: “How has the 9/11 memorial and its significance shaped your leadership and policies in New York City?”
- Impact of COVID-19: “What challenges have you faced in fulfilling your duties as mayor while dealing with COVID-19, and how are you managing recovery?”
- NYPD Commissioner Controversy: “Can you provide an update on the investigation involving NYPD Commissioner Caban and address any concerns about the department’s integrity?”
- Political Debate Insights: “What is your perspective on the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and how do you see it impacting NYC politics?”
- City Resilience Post-9/11: “In what ways has New York City demonstrated resilience and unity in the years following the 9/11 attacks?”
- Role in Public Ceremonies: “How do you balance your responsibilities with participating in important city events, such as the 9/11 memorial service?”
- Future Plans for NYC: “What are your key priorities for New York City’s future, and how do you plan to address current and upcoming challenges?”
September 11 , 2024 New York NY
Sources: Midtown Tribune news , NYC.gov
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