A high-ranking official at the Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed federal prosecutors to drop the charges against a Democratic mayor. The order, detailed in a letter obtained by the Associated Press, argues that the prosecution jeopardized the mayor's ability to collaborate with the Trump administration on combating illegal immigration and that it was too close to the 2025 mayoral primaries.
Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated in the letter that there should be no further targeting of the mayor or additional investigative steps before a review. He also directed that steps be taken to restore the mayor's security clearances. The review will be conducted by the confirmed U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York.
Bove accused the former U.S. attorney for the district, Damian Williams, of bringing the charges forward for political reasons, alleging a broader politicization of the Justice Department by the Biden administration. Williams resigned following President Donald Trump's electoral victory. Bove clarified that the dismissal does not reflect on the case's merits and will be reevaluated after the mayoral election.
The mayor was indicted on corruption charges on September 26, involving alleged favors for Turkish figures in exchange for money and gifts. He has pleaded not guilty. The letter also argued that the case distracted the mayor from his focus on combating illegal immigration.