Though Mayor Vince Gray and the D.C. Council were gathered in the John A. Wilson Building earlier today for a press conference touting their upcoming trip to New Hampshire to lobby on behalf of District statehood, the top question on everyone’s mind was, not surprisingly, the fate of Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) after a report surfaced last night stating that the embattled council member was preparing to step down after failing to make the first payment on a $300,000 he is accused of taking from city funds.

In a brief appearance before the press conference, Gray told reporters he hasn’t spoken with Thomas since “before Christmas.” In response to a question if he thought Thomas, who did not appear in the council chamber nor at the members’ breakfast beforehand, was still qualified to sit on the council, the mayor said he thinks Thomas “is going to have to make those decisions.”

Gray also mentioned his long relationship with Thomas’ family, particularly Harry Thomas Sr., who represented Ward 5 from 1987 to 1999. “I’ve known his family…who I think have over time has made an important contribution to the city. This whole thing is just an enigma to me.”

A few moments later, Thomas’ colleagues on the council had just as few details on the latest developments. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who last July called for Thomas’ resignation, said she “only [knows] what’s been reported.”

But Cheh said that considering Thomas is the subject of a federal investigation, she is not surprised he has not stepped down.

“I didn’t think he would because the best posture would be as a member of the council,” she said, adding that she hasn’t spoken with Thomas in weeks. Still, she found the situation rather somber.

“When reality is upon you it feels devastating,” Cheh said. “I was always very fond of Harry. It’d be a sad day for the District to see a councilmember resign like this.”

Meanwhile, Michael A. Brown (I-At Large) told DCist that he spoke with Thomas as recently as this morning, but that their conversation was limited to discussions about their families.