Adams vows to return donation from NYPD union boss who publicly denigrated Rep. Torres
Democratic mayoral hopeful Eric Adams committed Monday to returning a campaign donation from an NYPD union head who’s facing disciplinary proceedings for calling a New York congressman a “whore,” among other eyebrow-raising conduct.
“We’re going to give Sergeant Mullins his donation back,” Adams said at an unrelated press conference in Brooklyn after being asked by the Daily News about the $400 contribution from NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins.
As first reported by The News on Sunday, Mullins is among at least 13 members of the NYPD accused of a variety of misconduct who have contributed to Adams’ campaign.
Adams, a former NYPD captain who has made rooting out “bad apples” from the police department a key priority of his mayoral bid, did not immediately commit to returning donations from the other 12 cops, though he said he will review their records “case-by-case” and “make a decision.”
Evan Thies, an Adams spokesman, noted that the campaign will return donations from any NYPD members who have “abused their authority and violated their oath.”
Adams stressed that most members of the NYPD who have donated to his campaign do not have track records of wrongdoing.
“I’m really pleased of the over 330-something officers that I’ve patrolled with, that I’ve protected the city with who are sure enough in me to want to contribute to my campaign,” Adams said.
Mullins — who’s facing a department trial for publicizing the arrest record of Mayor de Blasio’s daughter and calling Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) a “first-class whore” and former city Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot a “b--ch” in tweets — shrugged at Adams’ pledge to return his contribution.
“He can do whatever he wants to,” Mullins said before calling The News “sleazy” for reporting on the misconduct records of members of the NYPD who have financially supported Adams.
Among the other Adams-backing NYPD members with disciplinary histories are officers who have been found guilty in department proceedings of driving while intoxicated, using excessive force and making unlawful threats.
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