Search Conducted at New York Mayor Adams’ Residence Following Criminal Charges, Reports Reuters

By Luc Cohen and Bing Guan

NEW YORK – Federal agents conducted a search at the residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday morning, following his indictment on criminal charges that have plunged the city government into a state of upheaval.

A witness reported seeing a black SUV marked with a "Federal Law Enforcement" placard parked outside the mayor’s Gracie Mansion home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Approximately twelve individuals dressed in business attire were seen entering the mansion’s grounds carrying briefcases and duffel bags.

The specifics of the charges against Adams remain unclear, as the indictment is still sealed. It is also uncertain whether Adams will be arrested or choose to surrender voluntarily, and his court appearance remains undetermined.

A representative from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, which is handling the case, declined to comment in response to reports from various media outlets indicating that a grand jury had indicted Adams.

Adams, a Democrat, is the first sitting mayor of the city to face criminal charges. In a video statement released on Wednesday night, he expressed his expectation of being charged, dismissing the allegations as "entirely false, based on lies."

In his video, Adams affirmed his intention to remain in office while contesting the charges, despite pressure from fellow Democrats to resign. He stated, "If I’m charged, I know I’m innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth."

This legal situation could complicate Adams’ plans for re-election in 2025, with several Democratic figures, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, preparing to contest the party’s nomination against him.

Before the indictment news broke, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the first congressional member to call for Adams’ resignation, stating it would be "for the good of the city."

Reports indicate that federal investigators are looking into potential illegal campaign donations received by Adams’ 2021 campaign, including possible contributions from the Turkish government. The investigation is centered on whether his campaign collaborated with a Brooklyn construction company to channel foreign funds into the campaign through a straw donor scheme.

Additionally, authorities are interested in Adams’ interactions with several countries, including Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

Adams, 64, a former police officer who reached the rank of captain, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claims he is cooperating with the investigation.