BREAKING: NYC Mayor Eric Adams INDICTED on federal criminal charges
This the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced such charges.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges, according to The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the situation. This the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced such charges.The details of the indictment remain sealed, and it is not yet clear what specific charges Adams will face.
Earlier this month, federal agents seized phones from several high-ranking city officials, including one of Adams’ top aides, the police commissioner, and the schools chancellor. Both Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban and Schools Chancellor David C. Banks have since resigned.
The FBI confiscated Adams’ electronic devices as part of an inquiry into potential fundraising misconduct during his 2021 mayoral campaign. Separate investigations have also zeroed in on city contracts and the enforcement of rules affecting nightclubs.
Nearly three years ago, Adams, a former police captain, won election as New York City’s 110th mayor, pledging to tackle crime and bring integrity back to city leadership. But his time in office has been marked by controversy, as he filled key positions with trusted allies and loyalists. Several of these figures have since come under the spotlight of federal investigations.
The New York Post reports: “Details about the exact accusations remained unclear, but are believed to be connected to an alleged kickback scheme involving the Turkish government illegally funneling money into his mayoral campaign, according to sources.”
Additionally, The City reports that “Sources who are familiar with the matter [said] that Adams is being charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for taking actions in his official capacity after receiving donations from foreign sources.”
Adams is expected to surrender early next week.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said in a pretaped statement.
“If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Adams can remain in office following an indictment unless he chooses to step down. However, Governor Kathy Hochul or an “inability committee” — consisting of the city comptroller, city council speaker, a deputy mayor, and the longest-serving borough president — could remove him from power under the provisions of the city charter.