New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday defended his decision to name his brother, former NYPD police officer Bernard Adams, as a deputy NYPD commissioner.
Though he acknowledged a city ethics panel will “make the determination” on whether there’s a conflict of interest over bringing on his brother for the job, Adams argued it’s necessary given the threat he faces from “white supremacy.”
“Let me be clear on this: My brother is qualified for the position. Number one, he will be in charge of my security, which is extremely important to me at a time when we see an increase in white supremacy and hate crimes,” he told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
“I have to take my security in a very serious way,” the mayor added.
During a press conference on Sunday, Adams went into more detail about why he chose his brother.
“Protection is personal. You have an increase of anarchists in this city, country. We have a serious problem with white supremacy. And when you talk about this type of security that I want, it’s extremely unique. I don’t want to be away from my public,” he said.
“I trust my brother. My brother understands me,” he continued. “And if I have to put my life in someone’s hands, I want to put it in the hands of a person that I trust deeply, because that is a very personal process of your security.”
Adams’ brother, a 56-year-old retired NYPD sergeant, was recently listed as a deputy commissioner on the NYPD roster, according to internal documents obtained by The Post on Friday.
Bernard Adams — currently assistant director for parking at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he’s worked since 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile — confirmed to The Post that he is set to oversee governmental affairs, in a civilian position that typically comes with a salary of around $242,000. (NY Post)
NYC Mayor Eric Adams confirms reports that he has appointed his brother, a retired police officer, as deputy NYPD commissioner.
— The Recount (@therecount) January 9, 2022
“My brother is qualified … In a time when we see an increase in white supremacy and hate crimes, I have to take my security in a very serious way.” pic.twitter.com/0WKjrNTx37
Remember when Eric Adams was going to be a saner voice? That was 8 long days ago. https://t.co/HZtqNd42Wb
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) January 10, 2022
"Personal security, my life, my life, I want in the hands of my brother...He knows his brother. He's going to keep his brother safe." -- Adams, when asked if, in this city of 9 mil, there is no one as qualified, and unburdened by the appearance of nepotism.
— Dana Rubinstein (@danarubinstein) January 9, 2022
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated in the headline that Bernard Adams was chosen as NYPD commissioner. Townhall regrets the error.