NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s resignation on Thursday, though rumored for days, has added a new layer of debate to City Hall — with divided views on whether the move will calm the turbulence now facing the Adams administration.
The police commissioner was largely expected to step down after his brother, James Caban, and several of Adams’ top aides were raided by the FBI last week, sending shockwaves across the political spectrum. Many — notably the mayor’s political opponents — were quick to slam Adams, who is already facing low approval ratings, a rift between with the City Council and mayoral challengers snapping at his heels.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams challenged the idea that Caban’s resignation would eliminate distractions the raids have created for City Hall.
“Because of the magnitude of the situation and the number of investigations going on right now within the administration, the distractions are still going to be there,” she said at a press conference Thursday. “My hope is that with the commissioner choosing to tender his resignation, that does alleviate a little bit of the pressure and stress on the NYPD at this time.”
Progressive Council members Shahana Hanif, Sandy Nurse, Carmen De La Rosa and Jennifer Gutierrez urged Adams to “use this opportunity to turn the page on his scandal-plagued administration” in a joint statement.
“Refusing to change course would put the safety and well-being of everyday New Yorkers at risk,” they wrote.”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called this a “moment of confusion for city leadership.”
“I’m saddened and angered that this is the place our city is in, and hope this step is one in a series toward restoring confidence,” Williams said in a statement. “This resignation is a correct decision, from an array of options at a moment I wish we weren’t in – one when New Yorkers have little trust in the administration, and little information from the mayor to help restore it.”
Others said the decision was a good one.
“Eddie Caban is the city’s first Latino police commissioner, which was something the Latino community was very proud of and New York City was very proud of,” Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn told the Daily News. “I believe that his decision for resignation was a mutual decision between him and the mayor, and he’s leaving on good terms. … He probably feels that it’s too much of a distraction.”
Queens Councilman Robert Holden, a more conservative Democrat, had pushed for Caban to step down over the past week and said the move will allow the department to push forward.
“The integrity of the NYPD is paramount, and his decision allows the department to move forward without this distraction, ensuring it can continue its critical mission of providing public safety for all New Yorkers,” Holden said in a statement.
The PBA addressed the ongoing challenges its members are facing.
“We thank Commissioner Caban for always listening to our concerns and being willing to work with us on the issues affecting our members. We wish him the best in the future. But no matter who is leading the NYPD, this remains a uniquely challenging period for police officers on the streets,” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said in a statement, citing criminals, anti-police activists and understaffing as issues facing the department.
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