WASHINGTON, D.C. – A political firestorm erupted in early 2025 when seven federal prosecutors resigned en masse following a controversial Justice Department directive to abandon a high-profile corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The sudden departures, now being called the “Thursday Night Massacre,” have triggered widespread concerns over political interference in the judicial process and drawn parallels to some of the darkest moments in U.S. political history.
⚖️ The Resignations
On the evening of Thursday, February 6, 2025, multiple assistant U.S. attorneys from the Southern District of New York (SDNY) submitted their resignations within hours of receiving orders from senior DOJ officials to halt all legal action related to an active investigation into Mayor Adams. The case involved alleged kickbacks, misuse of campaign funds, and improper city contract awards.
The prosecutors reportedly viewed the directive as a direct attack on prosecutorial independence. According to sources within the department, several had spent months building a robust case with extensive evidence, only to be ordered to abandon it without a clear legal justification.
🏛️ Political Fallout and Historical Parallels
The mass resignations immediately drew comparisons to the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” of 1973, when top officials at the Justice Department resigned rather than obey President Nixon’s order to fire Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox.
In this case, critics claim the “Thursday Night Massacre” reflects a dangerous erosion of the firewall that traditionally separates the White House from federal prosecutions.
“This is a clear and present threat to the rule of law,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The American people must have confidence that justice is not subject to political whims.”
🧩 The Adams Investigation
Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer and rising political figure in the Democratic Party, has denied all wrongdoing. While the DOJ did not publicly explain its decision, speculation swirled that political pressure may have played a role — especially given Adams’ support from influential national donors and his visible role in national urban policy debates.
A leaked memo suggested that top officials were concerned that prosecuting Adams could “destabilize” New York City during a fragile period of economic recovery and increased crime.
🚨 Reactions from the Legal Community
Legal experts and former prosecutors have expressed alarm. The American Bar Association issued a rare public statement urging Congress to investigate the circumstances surrounding the resignations.
“The independence of federal prosecutors is foundational to democracy,” said former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “If they are being silenced or pressured, the entire justice system is at risk.”
🏛️ Congressional Oversight and Investigation
In response to the scandal, the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee have launched separate inquiries. Subpoenas have already been issued to DOJ leadership, and several of the resigning prosecutors are expected to testify in closed and public sessions.
President Trump has remained largely silent on the issue, though White House Press Secretary Jenna Russell denied any involvement from the administration, calling the claims of interference “a baseless political distraction.”
🔍 What’s Next?
As investigations unfold, the Department of Justice faces a crisis of credibility. The “Thursday Night Massacre” has reignited long-standing debates about the politicization of law enforcement and prosecutorial discretion in the U.S.
Whether this moment will lead to significant reforms—or further deepen the divisions between law and politics—remains to be seen.
This story is developing. Follow for updates on the congressional investigations and any potential legal fallout.
