What you should know
New York City Mayor Eric Adams will answer questions for the first time since multiple sources said federal prosecutors were investigating his previous contacts with the FDNY regarding permitting issues at a new high-rise building that would house the new Turkish consulate. The mayor was scheduled to speak to reporters shortly before noon Tuesday, where he was expected to be asked whether such messages about fire safety and occupancy were appropriate. Sources familiar with the matter said the mayor sent a text message to then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro about when the occupation of the 35-story building might take place. Those questions arose as the FBI was already investigating whether Turkish individuals improperly donated or were involved in improperly pooling contributions to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams will answer questions for the first time since multiple sources said federal prosecutors were investigating his previous contacts with the FDNY regarding permit issues at a new high-rise building. height that would house the new Turkish consulate.
The mayor was scheduled to speak to reporters shortly before noon Tuesday, where he was expected to be asked whether such messages about fire safety and occupancy were appropriate. Sources familiar with the matter said the mayor sent a text message to then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro about when the occupation of the 35-story building could take place.
Those questions arose as the FBI was already investigating whether Turkish individuals improperly donated or were involved in improperly pooling contributions to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said Adams sent a September 2021 text requesting help from the Turkish consulate to Nigro asking the fire commissioner to look into the issue. Nigro later responded by saying that a letter allowing the occupation would be processed the following Monday, the sources said.
Adams said his text message to the fire commissioner was a routine request. The mayor had just won the Democratic primary and was Brooklyn borough president at the time the text messages were sent.
“As a county president, part of my routine role was to notify government agencies of problems on behalf of constituents and constituents. I have not been accused of wrongdoing and will continue to cooperate with investigators,” Adams said via a campaign spokesperson on Sunday.
A source familiar with the matter said former FDNY Commissioner Nigro was questioned as a witness by the FBI at least twice, most recently on Nov. 3. Reached by phone, Nigro said: “I prefer not to comment at this time.”
Two sources familiar with the investigation said FDNY security officials signed a no-objection occupancy letter, meaning the FDNY had reached an agreement with the building for additional security measures that would allow access to the building.
The FBI seized electronic devices belonging to New York Mayor Eric Adams as part of a corruption investigation. News 4’s Jonathan Dienst reports. Sources added that the building’s owners wanted access in part because Turkish leaders would soon arrive in New York for the UN General Assembly.
Spokespeople for the U.S. attorney, FBI and DOI declined to comment. An FDNY spokesperson also declined to comment. The Turkish Embassy in Washington has not responded to email requests for comment.
News of the questions about the Turkish consulate’s fire safety inspection was first reported by the New York Times.
Last Monday, the FBI seized Mayor Adams’ cell phones in connection with the criminal investigation.
The Turkish Consulate building, known as the Turkevi Center, along First Avenue, still has a temporary occupancy certificate, sources familiar with the matter said.
Adams has made numerous trips to Turkey in recent years and the timing of the consulate’s opening coincided with a visit to New York by Turkish President Erdogan.
On November 2, the FBI searched the home of top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs. Part of the investigation focuses on whether foreign money was improperly included in the mayor’s 2021 campaign. Investigators are also looking into donations from people associated with KSK Construction, a company whose owners have ties to Turkey.
No criminal charges have been filed in the matter and the investigation is ongoing.
Councilman Joe Borelli (R-SI) wrote on social media, mocking questions about the mayor and permits for the Turkish consulate: “If this is truly the smoking gun, it is neither smoke nor a gun…” They say that if this is the alleged crime then “…all elected officials are about to be arrested.”
2023-11-14 17:33:15
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