U.S. Attorney for Southern District of NY resigns after forced to drop Mayor Adams corruption charges

Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned on Thursday, following a directive from the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This decision came just days after she was ordered to dismiss the case, highlighting a significant clash between the Trump administration and its appointed officials.

Sassoon, who had a rapid rise in the Southern District of New York and was known for her role in high-profile cases including the prosecution of Sam Bankman-Fried, resisted the order, citing concerns about setting a "dangerous precedent" by dismissing charges based on what she described as a rushed and superficial process. Her resignation letter emphasized her belief in the integrity of the case against Adams, accusing his defense of a quid pro quo related to immigration policy assistance in exchange for dropping the case.

You can read her resignation letter here.

The resignation has sparked a wave of reactions, with some praising Sassoon for her integrity and others viewing the situation as indicative of broader issues within the Justice Department under the current administration. The case against Adams was to be dismissed "without prejudice," meaning it could potentially be reopened, which critics argue gives the Trump administration leverage over New York City's governance.

Following Sassoon's departure, there is uncertainty regarding who will take over the case and how quickly it might be dropped, leaving the future of the corruption investigation into Mayor Adams in limbo. This event has also led to discussions on social media and in political circles about the influence of political directives on legal proceedings and the independence of the Department of Justice.

For more detailed information, you can refer to recent articles from reputable sources like CNN, The New York Times, and ABC News, which cover her resignation, the reasons behind it, and the broader implications for both the legal and political landscapes.

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