Former NYPD Commissioner Donlon plans to sue Mayor Adams for defamation, filing a million notice of claim.

Thomas Donlon, the former interim commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), has filed a notice of intent to sue the city for million, alleging that Mayor Eric Adams and former NYPD spokesman Tarik Sheppard made defamatory statements about his mental fitness. Donlon claims that these statements were made without substantial evidence to support them, as indicated in court documents associated with his claim.

The litigation, which includes a comprehensive 251-page lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, asserts that Adams and other high-ranking officials within the NYPD have engaged in actions consistent with a “criminal enterprise,” according to allegations made by Donlon. He has accused Sheppard of fabricating claims of Donlon’s mental acuity and of making threatening remarks regarding his safety during a public event. Specifically, Donlon referenced an incident where Sheppard allegedly promoted himself to a three-star chief and threatened him during the 2024 New York City Marathon. In a subsequent statement, Sheppard suggested that Donlon was experiencing cognitive challenges and claimed that the FBI had once seized Donlon’s phone.

In response to the allegations, Mayor Adams asserted that he determined Donlon to be “mentally not fit” for the role of commissioner, arguing that Donlon refused to undergo a mental health evaluation, which he believed to be necessary. Donlon’s legal representation, John Scola, contends that such statements are fabricated and serve only to undermine Donlon’s credibility. Scola emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Donlon’s phones had ever been seized or that a mental health evaluation had been mandated.

The notice of claim also states that both Adams and Sheppard knowingly disseminated false information that has caused significant damage to Donlon’s reputation. Donlon’s allegations come on the heels of a turbulent period for the NYPD, particularly following his appointment as interim commissioner on September 13, after the forced resignation of his predecessor amid a federal corruption investigation related to the Adams administration.

Despite the turmoil, Donlon served as interim commissioner for approximately two months, during which he claims to have faced consistent undermining from several senior NYPD officials. After stepping down, he was appointed as a senior advisor for public safety but was later informed that his position was being eliminated in early May.

As this case unfolds, it brings to light both the internal dynamics of the NYPD and broader issues related to accountability and transparency within city leadership. Officials from the mayor’s office and the NYPD have yet to issue a formal comment regarding the ongoing litigation.