New York City Mayor Eric Adams remains resolute about his innocence after being indicted following a federal investigation.
Sources told CNN that Adams was charged with at least one federal criminal offense, though the specific charges have not been made public. The New York Times first reported the news, and Adams has not entered a plea.
The 64-year-old mayor has been the subject of a months-long federal probe led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, focusing on his connections to Turkish officials, businessmen, and campaign donations.
RELATED STORIES
Adams, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, emphasized that he instructed his campaign and administration to follow the law. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would be a target – and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said on Wednesday night.
According to CNN, Adams has several days to turn himself in, and he is not expected to appear in court on Thursday. Prosecutors informed his attorneys that he would be summoned to surrender at a later date if charged.
A source indicated that when Adams received word of the indictment while at Gracie Mansion, he appeared undeterred and resolute.
The indictment comes nearly three years into his tenure, which began in January 2022. Before becoming mayor, Adams served as an NYPD captain. If the charges are not resolved in his favor, his ability to remain in office and his political future could be jeopardized.
When asked on Tuesday if he would consider resigning, Adams responded, “I’m stepping up, not stepping down.”
In an effort to avoid federal criminal charges, Adams’ lawyers met with senior Justice Department officials last week, according to CNN sources. The meeting followed discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, where prosecutors indicated plans to seek an indictment. The Justice Department later denied the appeal by Adams’ legal team.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation, with the Justice Department involved due to Adams’ position as a sitting politician.
Adams’ legal challenges intensified in September when federal investigators executed search warrants, seizing the phones of top City Hall officials, including two deputy mayors, a senior adviser, and the schools chancellor.
Former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban was also caught in a separate federal investigation, leading to his resignation after his phone was seized. A few days later, City Hall’s top lawyer, Lisa Zornberg, abruptly resigned, stating she could “no longer serve effectively.” Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his retirement shortly after federal agents searched his home and seized his cell phones.
The first signs of trouble for Adams emerged a year ago when federal investigators targeted his chief campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. FBI agents seized devices and files from Suggs’ home, but she has not been charged with any crimes.
As part of the ongoing investigation, FBI agents also seized Adams’ cell phones days after the raid on Suggs’ home. The seizure followed a dramatic encounter where FBI agents presented Adams with a warrant while he was in his city-issued SUV after a speech in Manhattan.
This escalation is part of a broader probe into whether foreign money was funneled into Adams’ campaign. Adams has maintained his innocence and emphasized that his staff has complied with the law throughout the investigation.
Adams has publicly highlighted his connections to the Turkish-American community, noting multiple visits to Turkey, including two trips as Brooklyn Borough President. In 2015, the Turkish Consulate paid for one of his trips, during which he signed a sister-city agreement with Istanbul’s Üsküdar district.
Despite the indictment, Adams is not legally required to step down, though political pressure may become overwhelming. Should he resign, New York City’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would step in as mayor until a special election is held.
READ ALSO: Kamala Harris endorsed by Muslim group despite criticism of her Gaza policy
