Mayor Eric Adams criticized a criminal defense lawyer, Olayemi Olurin, for downplaying the murder of police officer Jonathan Diller and instead focusing on instances of cops killing citizens during a radio segment. Olurin labeled Adams as a fearmonger and defended the controversial cashless bail law, arguing that most freed defendants aren’t rearrested. Adams countered by highlighting how rare it is for an officer to be killed in the United States and New York specifically, compared to the number of people killed by police officers in the city. Olurin referenced a recent incident where a 19-year-old man experiencing a mental crisis was shot and killed by NYPD cops when he charged at them with scissors. Despite Adams expressing concern over minimizing Officer Diller’s death, Olurin continued to argue her point.
Adams then questioned whether Olurin would retract her statement, which he perceived as insensitive, regarding Officer Diller’s death. The lawyer maintained her position and criticized Adams for his rhetoric about crime and public safety in New York City, questioning whether he truly believes the city is safe despite his concerns about subway crime. Charlamagne Tha God supported Olurin’s stance, suggesting that Adams’ decision to increase police presence in subway stations could cause people to feel that something is wrong. Adams defended his position, stating that most New Yorkers feel safer with visible uniformed officers in the subways.
The discussion also touched on the city’s migrant crisis, with Adams explaining the administration’s decision to offer asylum seekers pre-paid debit cards for food due to a lack of federal funding. Adams emphasized that he does not have the authority to deny migrants access to food and housing or deport them back to their home countries, leading to frustration among some residents. The conversation between Adams and Olurin grew tense as they debated various issues, with Adams highlighting his efforts to support families affected by violence and questioning Olurin’s actions in similar situations. Despite the disagreements, both parties held firm in their positions, with Adams defending his actions as mayor and Olurin advocating for criminal justice reform.
The exchange between Adams and Olurin highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding criminal justice, public safety, and immigration in New York City. Adams criticized Olurin for her focus on police killings of civilians, arguing that the death of Officer Diller should not be minimized. Olurin challenged Adams on his rhetoric about crime in the city, questioning whether he truly believes New York is safe despite his concerns about subway safety. The discussion also addressed the city’s response to the migrant crisis, with Adams defending the decision to provide support to asylum seekers in the absence of federal funding. Despite the disagreements, both Adams and Olurin stood by their perspectives, highlighting the complexities of governance and advocacy in a diverse and dynamic city like New York.
Overall, the conversation between Adams and Olurin showcased the complexities and tensions surrounding criminal justice, public safety, and immigration in New York City. Adams criticized Olurin for downplaying the death of Officer Diller and emphasized the challenges faced in addressing crime and providing support to marginalized communities. Olurin, on the other hand, questioned Adams’ rhetoric about public safety and immigration, calling for a more nuanced approach to these issues. The exchange highlighted the ongoing debates and challenges facing the city and the need for thoughtful and inclusive policies to address these complex issues. Despite their differences, Adams and Olurin both demonstrated a commitment to advocating for their respective causes and engaging in a meaningful dialogue about the future of New York City.