Transcript: Mayor Adams Appears Live on NBC4’S “News 4 NY at 6”

June 4, 2025

Natalie Pasquarella: 9 Democratic candidates all vying for the city's top job are all arriving here at 30 Rock for tonight's big debate. And right now we're going to talk to the man whose job they all want, Mayor Eric Adams, who's joining us live from Gracie Mansion. Welcome, Mr. Mayor. We thank you so much for joining us.

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. Great to be here.

Pasquarella: Now, we know you have chosen to run as an Independent, so you are not on the stage tonight. You are still a registered Democrat. So we want to know who do you plan to vote for in this primary? And are you ranking a full ballot?

Mayor Adams: I'm going to look at some of the local races that we're having and pick from some of the local candidates. But the mayoral candidates, I'm going to skip over that. There's only one person I'll be voting for for mayor, and that's Eric Adams.

Pasquarella: So you don't plan to vote for a candidate, just to be clear? 

Mayor Adams: Yes. I'm not voting for a candidate for mayor.

Pasquarella: Okay. So we know the debate is happening here tonight. We want to know what question you'd ask the Democratic candidates here tonight.

Mayor Adams: Public safety. I think that all the candidates that are running, when you look at their records of public safety, which New Yorkers have constantly talked about, that is the number one and number two issue, affordability and public safety. 

That's why when you look at the last five months, the lowest record number of shootings and homicides in the city's history, recorded history. We're going to continue to drive down crime in this city. And that's important.

Pasquarella: You talk about crime. We have been spending weeks talking [with] our viewers ahead of the election. Many of them have said that they just don't feel safe. They say the city's too expensive. What do you have to say to those voters here tonight?

Mayor Adams: And, one thing I would never do, I would never tell people how they feel. My job is to make sure that we keep people safe. And then it's about how do we do things to make them feel safe? 

And that's why we put in place our new quality of life unit. 1,500 officers that are going to go after those petty things. When I'm at town halls, that's what I hear about abandoned cars, individuals injecting themselves with drugs, loud music playing. 

The numbers that we have shown a decrease in overall crime must match how people are feeling. And even breaking news today on this station, we're going to lower the speed limit on those who are using pedal assist scooters. 

All these different vehicles have been in bike lanes and on our streets. We're going to lower the speed limit to 15 miles an hour because that's what safety is all about. Every aspect of your life. 

Pasquarella: So you're talking [about] e-bike safety. Alright. Really quick question about the Knicks. If you have a second here, what do you think about them letting go Coach Thibs, any thoughts on that?

Mayor Adams: Well, you know, New Yorkers have a thirst to be back in the finals and win the finals. And I think [the owner], Dolan has made the determination. 

He wants to look at another level and to ensure that he could get that victory we wanted. We were so close, but he's looking [to] probably move in another direction.

Pasquarella: Got to have faith. Mayor Eric Adams, we do thank you for taking time to speak with us here this evening. Thanks so much. 

Mayor Adams: Thank you. Take care. 

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