Controversy Unfolds: Justice Department's Handling of Eric Adams' Case

A Justice Department official allegedly directed the shredding of notes related to potential dismissal of Mayor Eric Adams' corruption charges. Former prosecutor Danielle Sassoon resigned over the directive. Adams pleaded not guilty to bribery charges, with internal communications scrutinized amid allegations of improper conduct by Justice Department officials.

In a dramatic turn of events, a senior Justice Department official under President Donald Trump allegedly instructed a prosecutor to destroy notes from a meeting discussing the potential dismissal of corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, according to court documents released Tuesday.

The directive, allegedly given by Emil Bove, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, was supposedly intended to help Adams focus on aiding Trump in combating illegal immigration. Former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned in protest rather than comply with Bove's request. She has since revealed a draft letter opposing the case's dismissal.

Amidst these revelations, Mayor Adams stands firm on his not guilty plea to accusations of accepting bribes from Turkish officials. Internal communications surrounding the case were made public, revealing further contentions including accusations of illicit information leaks to the media. Despite these complexities, the Justice Department's motion to dismiss is still pending a decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)