In a fiery statement that reverberated across New York’s political landscape, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas (D-60th District) condemned New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for what she called a reckless and dangerous smear against Mayor Eric Adams. Lander, during a televised interview on Inside City Hall with political anchor Errol Louis, alluded to the possibility of Mayor Adams appearing in the Jeffrey Epstein files, without offering a shred of evidence.
Lander said during the interview, “I’ve heard some people say that the Mayor is in the Epstein files.” The casual, unsubstantiated remark prompted an immediate reaction from host Errol Louis, who quickly distanced himself from the claim. But the damage was done.
While Mayor Eric Adams has faced his share of controversies and investigations, it is important to remember that he has not been convicted of any crimes. That fact matters. In a democratic society, accusations are not convictions, and due process must remain the standard. When political figures begin carelessly linking Adams to the crimes of others, especially without evidence, it reveals a deeper, more troubling dynamic at play. It suggests that something much more sinister is unfolding in New York City politics, where racial undertones, political ambition, and media amplification collide to undermine a sitting mayor without the benefit of fairness or fact.
NYC Comptroller Brad Liner – Instagram
The insinuation, which Louis immediately distanced himself from on-air, has drawn sharp criticism from leaders and residents alike. But none more direct and unflinching than Assemblywoman Lucas, who issued a public rebuke on Tuesday, calling the accusation a new low for NYC politics.
“What Comptroller Brad Lander did by invoking the Epstein files and tying it to Mayor Eric Adams without any evidence is taking this election season to a new low. When reckless and unsubstantiated accusations like that are made by a sitting citywide official, it’s not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous,” said Lucas in a statement that was published on NYC Newswire.
Lucas added, “Mayor Adams is a Black man, and the constant attacks he faces cannot be separated from that fact. It’s hard to sit back and stay silent while people try to tear him down with baseless claims. Brad Lander needs to be called to the carpet for that statement, and I’m calling on leaders like Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Mayoral Candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo along with others who work closely with him to denounce this rhetoric. Silence in moments like this only signals complicity.
Lucas’ statement immediately gained traction on social media, with supporters echoing her sentiment and pointing to a disturbing trend in how Black men in power are treated in the media and political arena.
A Digital Age “Lynching”
The comparison to racially charged tactics of the past wasn’t lost on observers. “What they’re doing to Mayor Adams feels like a modern-day lynching,” said one community leader in East New York. “It’s the same tactic from decades ago; accuse a Black man of wrongdoing with no conviction, no due process, just speculation, then chase him down. Only now, it’s not ropes and mobs, it’s tweets, headlines, soundbites and smear campaigns.”
Another user on Lucas’ Instagram commented, “Thanks for saying what needed to be said. Simply inexcusable what Brad said and then try to say it was a “joke”. You don’t like the job Eric has done criticize him, campaign against him, vote against him. But this is a new low even for Brad.”
Lucas, known for her outspokenness on issues of racial equity and fairness, did not mince words in describing the potential harm such accusations can cause, not just to Mayor Adams, but to the political climate in a city still grappling with the racial justice reckonings over the years.
While Lander has not offered clarification or retraction, pressure is mounting for those in his political orbit to distance themselves from his statement, or risk being seen as complicit in perpetuating racialized political attacks.
Turning Point or Political Freefall?
Some believe this moment could mark a turning point, calling into question the role of progressive politics when it intersects with racial bias, intentional or not. “This isn’t just about Adams,” said East New York resident Aaron Brown. “It’s about the larger pattern. You can’t claim to be for justice and equity while using dog whistles and smear tactics against Black elected officials.”
Whether Lander walks back his remark remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas has drawn a line in the sand and she’s challenging others to take a stand alongside her.
As Lucas said in her closing words: “Silence in moments like this only signals complicity.”
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