Federal authorities are scrutinizing New York City Mayor Eric Adams over his involvement in fire safety and occupancy permit issues concerning a new high-rise building designated for the new Turkish consulate. This inquiry by federal prosecutors adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into whether Turkish individuals improperly donated to Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign.
Sources close to the investigation reveal that Adams, who was Brooklyn borough president at the time, had communicated via text with then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro regarding the occupancy of the 35-story building. Reportedly, Adams forwarded a text from the Turkish consulate to Nigro in September 2021, asking for assistance. Nigro later indicated that a letter allowing occupancy would be issued promptly.
Addressing the matter, Adams described his text to the fire commissioner as a routine request, emphasizing his responsibility as a borough president to communicate constituents' issues to government agencies. He stated through a campaign spokesperson, "I have not been accused of wrongdoing and I will continue to cooperate with investigators."
The investigation's focus also includes how FDNY safety officials signed off on the building's letter of occupancy. According to insiders, this agreement was part of the FDNY's strategy to implement additional safety measures to facilitate access to the building. The timing was reportedly influenced by the upcoming visit of Turkish leaders to New York for the U.N. General Assembly.
The Turkish Consulate building, also known as the Turkevi Center, located along First Avenue, currently holds a temporary certificate of occupancy. Mayor Adams, known for his multiple trips to Turkey, saw the opening of the consulate coincide with Turkish President Erdogan's visit to New York.
The investigation's broader scope includes a search into donations associated with KSK Construction, a company with links to Turkey, and whether foreign funds were inappropriately bundled into Adams' campaign. Additionally, the FBI recently seized Mayor Adams' cellphones as part of this criminal probe.
While no criminal charges have been filed, the scrutiny intensifies the debate around Mayor Adams' actions and the implications for his administration. City Councilmember Joe Borelli, an ally of the mayor, commented on social media, downplaying the significance of the allegations: "If this is really the smoking gun, it's neither smoking nor a gun..."
In a separate aspect of the investigation, Adams responded to reports of his involvement in the Turkish consulate project, defending his actions as part of his duties as Brooklyn borough president. He asserted his commitment to cooperating with investigators and expressed shock at the possibility of his campaign coordinating illegal activities.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact Mayor Adams' political trajectory and the administration's dealings with international and local entities.
