As New York City braces for potential unrest ahead of the Jewish High Holidays and the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas invasion of Israel, Mayor Eric Adams is facing more than just citywide security concerns. His own access to classified intelligence could be at risk following his recent federal indictment, raising questions about how much he’s informed about potential threats.
Mayor Assures New Yorkers Amid Heightened Security
During a briefing at NYPD headquarters on Wednesday, Mayor Adams sought to calm New Yorkers’ fears about increased threats of violence. With tensions rising both locally and globally, Adams reassured the public that everything was under control, stating, “The NYPD is working with our law enforcement partners at the city, state, and federal levels to ensure that every New Yorker, every neighborhood, every community, and house of faith is safe.” He highlighted the increased security measures being implemented, including a stronger police presence around houses of worship and the installation of additional cameras to monitor sensitive areas.
“There will be many protections that you will see, and there will be many that you will not see,” Adams added.
Despite the mayor’s confident tone, how much access Adams has to sensitive intelligence remains an open question. The increased threat of violence ahead of the Jewish holidays and the October 7 protests coincide with the mayor’s own legal troubles, leaving many to wonder whether his security clearance has been impacted.
Indictment Casts Shadow on Mayor’s Security Clearance
Mayor Adams’ federal indictment last week over an alleged bribery scheme involving the Turkish government has led national security experts to speculate that his security clearance might be under review. Federal law enforcement agencies, which routinely grant security clearances to state and local officials, would likely reexamine the mayor’s access to top-secret information given the nature of the charges.
Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, faces accusations of accepting bribes and illicit campaign contributions from Turkish officials and business owners in exchange for fast-tracking the construction of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper owned by the Turkish government. These allegations, according to security experts, touch on exactly the kind of vulnerabilities that federal officials would scrutinize when assessing whether an individual should have access to sensitive information.
“There’s a definite possibility his clearance could be revoked or suspended, just given the nature of the allegations and how [federal authorities] go about determining security clearances,” said Joseph Maher, a partner at Nixon Peabody and former chief intelligence officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “It would be surprising to me if nothing has happened to it.”
Federal agencies like the DHS use what is known as the “whole person” approach to determine if an elected official should be granted or maintain a security clearance. Factors like debt, criminal history, substance abuse, or involvement with foreign governments are all considered in evaluating whether someone poses a risk of being coerced into sharing sensitive information. Given the mayor’s central role in New York City’s governance, it’s not guaranteed that his clearance would be automatically revoked, but experts agree that his situation presents a unique challenge.
“The problem for him is that this indictment goes right into what they are most concerned about: vulnerabilities relating to foreign actors,” explained John Sandweg, a former acting general counsel at DHS.
Adams’ Access to Intelligence Under Scrutiny
The mayor’s team has been tight-lipped about his current security clearance status. When asked by a reporter on Tuesday whether he still had access to the same intelligence as before the indictment, Adams avoided the question.
“The federal government makes a determination of security clearance, and you have to reach out to them,” Adams said.
City Hall hasn’t been more forthcoming. A spokesperson declined to elaborate, pointing back to the mayor’s initial response. However, Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy insisted that Adams is still briefed on key matters affecting the city.
“For example, he and the governor were just briefed together by NYPD’s Intelligence team on the situation unfolding in the Middle East and how overseas events could affect New York City,” Levy said in an emailed statement. He added that, if there were a credible threat to the city, Adams would be briefed by both local and federal officials.
However, the level of detail in those briefings could depend on what clearance Adams currently holds. National security experts pointed out that mayors and police commissioners typically hold top-secret clearances that allow access to highly classified intelligence, including what is known as sensitive compartmented information (SCI).
A former high-ranking government official, who spoke with POLITICO on condition of anonymity, noted that any disruption in Adams’ clearance could mean a reduced flow of intelligence at a time when it is most needed.
A Split Screen: Security Briefing and Courtroom Drama
Wednesday’s briefing was held just hours after Adams attended a hearing at the Manhattan federal courthouse for his criminal case. Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted bribes and campaign contributions from Turkish officials in exchange for prioritizing their real estate project.
The split screen was stark: on the one hand, Adams was managing the city’s security and attempting to reassure New Yorkers of his control over the situation, while on the other, he was battling serious allegations that could undermine his authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of federal law enforcement.
Adams’ legal troubles come at a critical time for New York City, as both local and federal authorities prepare for heightened security concerns during the Jewish High Holidays and the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas invasion of Israel. Large-scale protests and potential threats of violence have prompted the NYPD to boost its presence across the city, particularly around houses of worship and sensitive locations.
What’s Next for Mayor Adams?
As Mayor Adams navigates both his legal defense and his responsibilities as New York City’s top official, the question of his access to sensitive intelligence will likely remain a point of contention. While his team continues to reassure the public that he is being kept in the loop on major security issues, the uncertainty surrounding his clearance adds a layer of complexity to the city’s preparations for potential unrest.
With his indictment hanging over him, Adams’ role as the city’s leader could be complicated by how much information he is allowed to receive—and whether his legal issues will overshadow the city’s ongoing security concerns.
For now, New Yorkers can only hope that the systems in place, led by the NYPD and federal law enforcement, will keep the city safe, regardless of the political and legal storms swirling around City Hall.
