Adams Faces Federal Corruption Charges
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a federal criminal indictment following a lengthy corruption investigation, making him the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to be criminally charged while in office. The charges are expected to be unsealed on Thursday, though the exact details remain unclear. The New York Times reported that Adams had already been indicted, citing sources close to the investigation.
Adams, a Democrat, issued a video statement on Wednesday declaring his innocence and vowing to fight the charges. “If I’m charged, I know I’m innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth,” Adams said.
Defiance Amid Calls for Resignation
Despite growing calls for his resignation from Democratic leaders, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adams remained defiant. “You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will,” he said in his video statement. Adams has dismissed the indictment as being “based on lies” and suggested that leaks and rumors were aimed at undermining his credibility.
If Adams is forced out of office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would step in as mayor of New York City, which has a population of about 8.3 million.
Scope of the Federal Investigation
The federal corruption investigation into Adams’ administration has been ongoing for months. In November 2023, FBI agents searched Adams’ electronic devices, and a series of resignations by top city officials followed shortly after. While the specific charges remain under wraps, the investigation reportedly focuses on Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and whether it illegally accepted donations, including from foreign sources like the Turkish government.
Federal authorities are also examining Adams’ connections to several foreign nations, including Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
Resignations and Political Fallout
The political upheaval in New York City has been intensifying over the past month. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned in September after the FBI seized his phone, and Adams’ chief legal adviser resigned soon after, citing her inability to “effectively serve” amid the ongoing investigations. Most recently, David Banks, the city’s public schools chancellor, announced his retirement, weeks after federal agents seized his phones.
As the federal case against Adams unfolds, it has already complicated his potential re-election bid for 2025, with several Democratic candidates, including Comptroller Lander, expected to challenge him.
