Hochul commemorates MLK Day in NYC; Adams to attend presidential inauguration in DC

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Monday, January 20, 2025
Adams, Hochul set to commemorate MLK Day in NYC
Phil Taitt reports on the events and possible inauguration related protests in NYC.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Americans will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday as the nation's 47th president is sworn into office.

Governor Kathy Hochul attended Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events in New York City, while Mayor Eric Adams was in Washington, DC to attend the presidential inauguration.

Mayor Adams met with President-elect Trump last week. His previously announced schedule with Hochul was cleared to attend the presidential inauguration.

Adams was invited to attend the inauguration sometime after midnight, and drove down to Washington at 3 a.m. Monday morning, his spokesperson said:

"In the early hours of Monday morning, the Trump administration reached out inviting Mayor Adams to attend the inauguration at the incoming administration's request. Mayor Adams accepted on behalf of New York City. As the mayor has repeatedly said, America has chosen a new national leader and we must work together to build a safer, stronger, and more affordable in New York City.

Governor Hochul attended two Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in New York City. First at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn and then at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem.

Rallies and events kicked off across the city including the many Democratic leaders that joined together at the National Action Network (NAN) in Harlem on Saturday.

On Monday morning, Reverend Al Sharpton and NAN will march from King's memorial to an AME church in Washington, DC, calling for justice equality and change.

Mayor Adams weighed in on possible demonstrations.

"That's what we do in America. We protest. And the beauty is we have the right to protest. You know, Dr. King, as we acknowledge his birthday, he led some of the most important protests of all time. There's nothing wrong with protests. There's nothing wrong with disagreeing," Adams said.

The NYPD is bracing for possible protests against Trump to continue, after some were held over the weekend.

On Saturday, a sea of people and signs made their way from Foley Square to Washington Square Park, bringing many together for the "Peoples March," championing behind a range of issues from reproductive rights to immigration, to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

ALSO READ | Trump on Immigration: Expert gives unique perspective on what could happen day one

Dan Krauth has the details with 7 On Your SIde Investigates.

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