New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been federally charged, sources told The New York Times. The indictment, confirmed by The New York Post, is expected to be announced on Thursday.
Adams is likely to surrender to law enforcement early next week. The specifics of the charges have not yet been revealed.
Media reports suggest the charges are linked to an investigation into his connections with Turkey. The government of Turkey is suspected of illegally funding Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
In addition, there are three other federal investigations involving the mayor. Sources from THE CITY claim that Adams has been accused of working as an unregistered foreign agent by making decisions as mayor after receiving funds from foreign sources.
These charges have further destabilized Adams’ already troubled administration. In recent weeks, law enforcement has raided the homes of two of his deputy mayors and a former NYPD commissioner. Over the past two weeks, his chief counsel, health commissioner, NYPD commissioner, and school chancellor have all resigned.
In a statement to CBS New York, Adams declared his innocence and emphasized that the expected charges were a result of his strong stance as mayor.
“I always knew that if I stood up for the people of New York, I would become a target — and now it’s happening,” he said.
“If I’m charged, I will fight to the end because I am innocent.”
In another video message, Adams stated that he does not plan to resign, even if charges are brought against him. He also noted that the investigation is biased against him.
“For months, rumors have been circulating aimed at undermining my reputation,” he said.
Should Adams resign, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a long-time critic of the current mayor, would temporarily assume mayoral duties.
Notably, on the day when discussions of potential charges began, Adams was spotted at a social event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were also in attendance. However, their speeches did not mention Adams; instead, they thanked his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg.
The mayor’s troubles began to escalate in November last year when FBI agents searched the home of Brianna Suggs, the chief fundraiser for his campaign. Documents and electronic devices were seized at that time. Later, agents confiscated Adams’ phones and iPads.
In February of this year, the FBI searched the home of another Adams advisor on Asian affairs. In May, federal prosecutors issued several subpoenas to the mayor and his inner circle.
Amid mounting pressure, Adams faced renewed calls for resignation, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was one of the first high-profile politicians to call for the mayor to step down. According to her, the wave of resignations and investigations is paralyzing the city administration, making it incapable of attracting qualified personnel.
Adams responded to the criticism by accusing his opponents of hypocrisy.
“If people believe that those charged with serious crimes should not be imprisoned, but then demand the resignation of New York’s second Black mayor without charges being filed — that’s absurd,” he said.
The New York City mayoral elections are scheduled for June 2025, with the general election in November.
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