Adams did not attend the forum, but his challengers still trained their attention on the incumbent, amid reports that the Justice Department has discussed the possibility of dropping his criminal case.

With less than five months until the Democratic primary, seven candidates hoping to unseat Mayor Eric Adams took the stage at a mayoral forum on the Upper West Side. While Adams was absent, his presence loomed large as challengers criticized his leadership and laid out their visions for the city.

Mayor Eric Adams is expected to return to his full public schedule on Thursday — after a three-day break from the limelight due to an undisclosed illness, The Post has learned. Hizzoner has been holed up in Gracie Mansion since the weekend after visiting the doctor late last week when he started to have trouble moving around,