In a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, Lisa Zornberg, the mayor's chief counsel, has stepped down from her position.
The news, reported by Politico, marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures and events that have shaken City Hall in recent days.
The mayor's office announced Zornberg's resignation late Saturday night, providing no explanation for her sudden exit. This move comes on the heels of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban's forced departure and a series of federal raids targeting key figures in Adams' inner circle.
Zornberg, who served as the top City Hall attorney for 13 months, expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams in a brief statement.
She said:
I am deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for giving me the opportunity to serve the city, and I strongly support the work he has done and continues to do for New Yorkers.
Mayor Adams, in turn, thanked Zornberg for her service and indicated that an acting replacement would be named in the coming days. He acknowledged the demanding nature of such positions, stating:
These are hard jobs and we don't expect anyone to stay in them forever. We wish Lisa all the best in her future endeavors.
The mayor's office has not provided Zornberg's resignation letter or offered any further details about the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Zornberg's resignation follows a week of intense scrutiny on the Adams administration. Federal agents recently conducted raids on several high-ranking officials' homes, including that of the mayor himself.
The raids resulted in the seizure of cell phones belonging to Adams, his twin brother James Caban, and several aides. Agents also searched the shared residence of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Schools Chancellor David Banks, as well as the home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
Additionally, senior adviser Timothy Pearson's phone was confiscated. Pearson has been the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging workplace sexual harassment.
Zornberg's resignation, along with the federal raids, has led to concerns about the stability and direction of Adams' administration. The exit of a key legal official during an ongoing investigation signals possible difficulties for City Hall.
Although the exact details of the federal investigation are not fully known, these recent developments have placed the mayor's office under scrutiny. The departure of the chief counsel could point to underlying problems with the administration's legal approach or broader governance issues.
Mayor Eric Adams' top City Hall attorney, Lisa Zornberg, has resigned amid an expanding federal investigation. This follows recent raids on the homes of several high-ranking officials, including the mayor himself. Federal agents seized cell phones from Adams, his brother, and various aides. The NYPD Commissioner was also forced out days earlier. These events have raised significant questions about the stability of the Adams administration and the potential impact on New York City governance.
