NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal charges expected to be announced tomorrow. According to MSNBC and CNN, New York Times and other media organizations.

This development makes Adams the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office.

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It has been known for some time that Adams was under investigation. Times reported that the mayor faces three to four federal investigations, one of which is linked to the Turkish government. Investigators also sought information on Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Regarding Turkey, the New York Times reported that prosecutors were investigating whether Adams accepted illegal foreign donations in exchange for pressuring the Fire Department to approve a new high-rise Turkish Consulate in Midtown despite security concerns, and that investigators also investigated his free flights and classroom He said he was also reviewing the upgrades. From Turkish Airlines.

Late last year, the mayor’s electronic devices and those of some top city officials were seized by federal authorities. Those officials included Timothy Pearson, senior advisor to the mayor, schools superintendent David C. Banks, deputy mayor for public safety Philip Banks III, counselor Terence Banks and first deputy mayor Sheena Wright. Three top officials recently resigned and one, Eric Ulrich, faces criminal charges.

“I always knew that if I took my stand on behalf of New Yorkers, I would be a target, and I have become a target. If I am accused, I am innocent and I will fight it with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said in a statement late Wednesday.

Amid the ongoing investigation, some prominent officials had called for Adams to resign, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former New York City comptroller Scott Stringer, who will run against Adams in next year’s Democratic primary.

If Adams resigns, NYC’s Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will become acting mayor. “The news of this indictment itself is incredibly serious. As the facts emerge, the public defender will have more to say to the people of New York City, and he is now focused on how he can best ensure that New Yorkers regain their trust, confidence and stability in their city government,” Williams said in a statement to the NYT.

Jill Goldsmith contributed to this report

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