Mayor Adams Wants Minimal Security Detail, Wants to Continue to “Enjoy His City”

By Yehudit Garmaise

When Mayor Eric Adams was asked yesterday at the 103rd Precinct in Queens whether he will you carry his own gun, as he said he would during his campaign, instead of using a security detail, he explained his non-traditional approach to security.

 “When I was a cop, I used to carry an ankle holster, but I don’t have it on now,” said Mayor Adams who said that he informed the police department how he moves through the city now is “not only substantive, but it is symbolic.”

“I can’t continue to [just] say to New Yorkers, ‘My city is safe,’ but, as the mayor, I need to symbolize that, as well.”

In terms of the requisite mayoral security detail, which former Mayor Bill de Blasio was accused of overusing for his relative, staff, friends, and himself when he was traveling in other states during his short-lived presidential campaign, in contrast, Adams said he favors a minimal approach to his security. 

“I like to go out and walk, and I want to continue to do so,” Adams explained, “If I go out, I don’t want 50 cops hanging out with me.”

“I don’t want anyone holding open doors for me. I don’t want anyone holding my umbrella. I don’t want anyone deifying me. I am an every-day New Yorker.

The police department, Adams said, understands his needs, but, if a terrorist or other type of additional threat to the mayor exists, he said, “I am not questioning them. 

“I trust the police department. They are going to keep me safe, and I feel safe in my city, and I am going to continue to do so.

“I have complete trust in intel and to make sure they can do their job. I want to enjoy my city the way I always enjoyed it.”

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office