New York Mayor Adams Faces Criminal Indictment and Vows to Fight Charges, Reports Reuters

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK – Mayor Eric Adams of New York City announced on Wednesday that he anticipates being charged with federal crimes, asserting his innocence amid reports suggesting he has been indicted following a protracted federal corruption investigation.

In a video statement, Adams, a Democrat, expressed that if charges were brought against him, they would be "entirely false, based on lies," and he pledged to continue serving in his role while contesting the allegations. "If I’m charged, I know I’m innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth," he stated.

Adams rejected calls from fellow Democrats for his resignation, asserting, "You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will."

Reports indicate that the indictment might be formally unsealed on Thursday, at which point Adams may appear in court. The specifics of the charges remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether he would be arrested or surrender voluntarily.

Additional media reports later emerged, confirming that a federal grand jury had indeed indicted Adams, citing anonymous sources.

These developments follow an FBI search of Adams’ electronic devices last November and come on the heels of several high-profile resignations within his administration amid various federal corruption inquiries.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, responsible for bringing the charges, declined to comment, and Adams’ legal team did not respond promptly to requests for clarification beyond reiterating his video statement. One of Adams’ attorneys has mentioned that the mayor is cooperating with the investigation, although the specifics of that cooperation have not been disclosed.

Adams suggested that the expected charges were not unexpected, attributing them to a series of "leaks and rumors" aimed at damaging his credibility.

If Adams were to be removed from office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would ascend as mayor of the city, which has a population of approximately 8.3 million.

The upcoming legal challenges could complicate Adams’ prospects for re-election in 2025. Other Democratic figures, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, are expected to contend for the party’s nomination against Adams, who has previously allied closely with President Joe Biden.

Lander stated, "The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands," adding his voice to a growing chorus of politicians calling for Adams’ resignation.

Prior to the news of the indictment breaking, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was the first member of Congress to urge Adams to resign, framing it as a move "for the good of the city."

Just before the announcement, Adams attended a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were present, although he did not address those in attendance.

Reports suggest that federal authorities have been examining potential illicit donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign, which may have included contributions from the Turkish government. This investigation reportedly focuses on whether Adams’ campaign collaborated with a Brooklyn construction firm to illegally channel foreign funds through a straw-donor arrangement. Authorities are also seeking details about Adams’ interactions with several foreign nations.

Adams, 64, a former police officer and captain, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and stated that he is cooperating with the investigation. His lawyers declared in mid-August that they had conducted their own inquiry into the matters under scrutiny by prosecutors and found no evidence of illegal conduct by the mayor.

"To the contrary, we have identified extensive evidence undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution as to the Mayor, which we have voluntarily shared with the U.S. Attorney," stated his attorneys.

New York City has been experiencing significant political turbulence in recent weeks. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 12, shortly after his phone was seized by FBI agents. This was followed by the departure of Adams’ chief legal adviser, who cited an inability to "effectively serve" in her role. On Wednesday, the city’s schools chancellor, David Banks, announced his retirement at the year’s end, just weeks after reports indicated his phone was also taken by federal agents.