Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel to Mayor Eric Adams of New York, resigns amid growing federal investigations into his administration.
Mayor Eric Adams’s top legal adviser, Lisa Zornberg, has resigned suddenly, creating a significant shakeup in the administration as they face multiple federal investigations. Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor, has been a staunch supporter of Mayor Adams amidst the scrutiny surrounding his campaign fundraising practices. Her resignation, effective immediately, caught many by surprise due to its abrupt nature and timing, leaving no room for a smooth transition to a new counsel.
The departure of Zornberg follows the recent resignation of Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban, who stepped down after federal agents seized his phone in connection with one of the ongoing criminal investigations involving members of the administration, including the mayor. The U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York is leading three of the federal inquiries into the Adams administration, with the seizure of phones from top officials on September 4 adding to the turmoil.
The investigations into Mayor Adams and his close associates have created instability within the administration, leading some state lawmakers to call for his resignation. Despite the mounting pressure, Mayor Adams, who has not been implicated in any wrongdoing, maintains his innocence and commitment to serving the people of New York City.
The sudden resignations and ongoing federal probes have cast a shadow over Mayor Adams’s administration, raising questions about the integrity of his leadership and the potential impact on his ability to govern effectively. As the investigations continue to unfold, the future of the administration remains uncertain, with the mayor vowing to cooperate fully and clear his name of any allegations of misconduct.
Source: The NY Times