Tensions Escalate as Federal Prosecutors Resign Over Eric Adams Bribery Case Dismissal
A dramatic clash between New York federal prosecutors and the Justice Department escalated Friday as another prosecutor resigned in protest over the order to dismiss the bribery case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Hagan Scotten, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stepped down after criticizing the Justice Department’s decision in a scathing letter. His resignation follows that of acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who also refused to comply with the directive to drop the case.
In his letter, Scotten condemned Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, calling the justification for dismissing the case “transparently pretextual.” He argued that the indictment, supported by substantial evidence and pursued under multiple U.S. attorneys, was being undermined for questionable reasons. Scotten, an Army veteran and former clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, accused the administration of using the dismissal as leverage to influence policy objectives, a move he described as antithetical to the principles of justice.
The controversy deepened as six federal justice officials resigned in what insiders dubbed the “Thursday afternoon massacre.” Among them were John Keller, acting head of the Public Integrity Section, and Kevin Driscoll, the senior career official in the criminal division, who stepped down after learning their unit would take over the case. Their resignations underscored widespread dissent within the Justice Department over the handling of the Adams case.
Chad Mizelle, chief of staff for Attorney General Pam Bondi, defended the decision, claiming the prosecution was politically motivated and accusing the defiant prosecutors of having “ulterior motives.” However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the Justice Department’s actions “unbelievably unprecedented,” emphasizing that such interference undermines the integrity of the justice system.
The resignations and internal turmoil highlight a growing rift between career prosecutors and the Justice Department, raising concerns about the politicization of federal cases. As the fallout continues, the Adams bribery case has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
