Mayor Adams dismisses resignation rumors surrounding interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reiterated on Friday that interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon will remain at the helm of the NYPD. “I’ve said this a thousand times, you’ve heard me say it at our off topics.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reiterated on Friday that interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon will remain at the helm of the NYPD. “I’ve said this a thousand times, you’ve heard me say it at our off topics.
When it’s time to make personnel announcements, we do so,” Adams stated firmly. “People who want to leak information or think they have some of these sources, then they are going to prematurely write stories.”
Donlon, who stepped into the role just a month ago following the resignation of former commissioner Edward Caban—who faced scrutiny after his phone was seized by federal investigators—has been under intense scrutiny since taking office. His tenure has been further complicated by federal authorities executing a search warrant at his home, reportedly seizing materials unrelated to his police work.
Despite reports of impending departures, Adams has consistently defended Donlon’s position. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting candidates for the commissioner role, stating, “Whomever is going to be the police commissioner in the City of New York, I am going to vet and make sure they continue the success we saw under Commissioner Sewell, under Commissioner Caban, and now that we’re seeing under Commissioner Donlon.”
The potential shakeup comes at a precarious time for the NYPD, which is facing its fourth commissioner in two years. Speculation about possible successors has included Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch and former Deputy Police Commissioner Ben Tucker.
Adams expressed confidence in the stability of his administration, saying, “People want to do other things, but the foundation of our administration is very much still in place. And we have a deep bench. We have a deep bench in the city and we have a deep bench in our administration.”
As the mayor navigates these challenges, he also faces allegations involving two school safety units connected to federal probes. Kevin Taylor, the commanding officer of the school safety unit, had his phone seized by federal officials as part of an investigation linked to former Adams senior official Tim Pearson.
Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy addressed compliance expectations for city employees, stating, “Like we always say, we expect all employees to comply with any law enforcement inquiry.”
Adams also addressed speculation surrounding high-profile resignations, firmly denying any suggestions that Governor Kathy Hochul is influencing his administration. “Do you think I would be a puppet mayor and allow others to pick my administration? Is that who I am? Is that who I am as a person?” he asked. “The governor is a partner. She’s always been very supportive of my entire time in [the] office. We’ve done some great things together.”
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