Federal authorities have indicted Mayor Eric Adams. The update marks the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced criminal charges, per The New York Times.
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Details On Mayor Adams’ Indictment
As reported by CNBC, the indictment reportedly accuses Mayor Eric Adams of criminal activity related to donations made during his 2021 mayoral campaign.
CNN confirmed Mayor Adams now faces five federal charges, including bribery and fraud, per a 57-page indictment unsealed on Thursday (Sept. 26).
The indictment claims Adams’ illegal activities date back to his time as Brooklyn Borough president in 2014.
The indictment also accuses Adams of accepting luxury perks from a Turkish official and pressing the NYC Fire Department to bypass a fire inspection for a Turkish consular building, according to CNN.
During a Thursday conference, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, accused Mayor Adams of being involved in a “long-running conspiracy.”
“Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal. He knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him,” Williams explained.
The Associated Press reports that FBI agents had seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams’ interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters.
In early September 2024, the feds seized devices from Adams’ police commissioner, the schools’ chancellor, two deputy mayors, and other trusted confidantes both inside and outside City Hall. All have denied wrongdoing.
Mayor Adams Responds To Indictment & Charges
After the announcement of his charges, Mayor Adams urged the public to hear his defense before making any judgments. He also emphasized that he wouldn’t alter his daily responsibilities despite the indictment.
“I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I’ve done throughout my entire professional career,” Adams said.
He also reaffirmed his innocence in a defiant video statement released late Wednesday night.
“I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Mayor Adams stated.
CNBC reports that if Mayor Adams steps down before finishing his term, New York City Public Advocated Jumaane Williams would take over as acting mayor.
New Yorkers React To Mayor Adams’ Charges
New Yorkers quickly voiced their opinions on Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment. During a press conference on Thursday, an unidentified man used a megaphone to heckle Adams, shouting comments at the mayor.
In a video clip shared by TSR, Adams smiled and brushed off the heckler’s repeated shouts.
At one point, the heckler accused Adams, saying, “Your politics are anti-Black!”
“You are a disgrace to all Black people in this city. The things that you have done are unconscionable. You hurt our schools, our streets are dirty, our children are harassed by the police. This is ridiculous! And this is not a Black day; this is a [justice] day,” the man said while speaking from a megaphone.
More Info On Mayor Adams’ First Term
Adams, a former NYPD captain, assumed office in January 2022, positioning himself as a fresh face for the Democratic party. He pledged a strong stance on crime and a commitment to revitalizing the city post-COVID-19. However, per CNN, he struggles with key issues in New York City, including the migrant crisis and subway safety. Recently, he has also been criticized for late-night partying and the city’s education spending.
When a reporter asked Wednesday about his potential resignation, Mayor Adams replied, “I’m stepping up, not stepping down.”
