New York Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on Wednesday by federal prosecutors following a corruption investigation.
The indictment accuses Mayor Adams of illegally increasing his financial gains by exploiting the city’s matching funds program, which offers a substantial match for small-dollar donations. According to the charges, his campaign received over $10,000 in matching funds through false certifications.
Additionally, the indictment claims Adams “solicited and demanded” bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel from a Turkish official. The official was allegedly seeking Adams’ assistance in navigating regulations related to the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
Previous reporting:
In a video statement released by his attorney, Alex Spiro, Adams on Wednesday addressed the charges, calling them “entirely false” and politically motivated.
Read: New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Book Says He Shot A Gun At School, Now He Denies It
“My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes. If so these charges will be entirely false based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” he said in the pre-recorded message. “If I am charged, I am innocent and will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Adams also linked the investigation to his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis, stating,
“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics,” Adams said.
Despite the looming indictment, Adams reassured the public that he remains capable of running the city, asserting that, “The city has continued to improve.”
Following the news, several political opponents, including potential challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary, called for Adams’ resignation. City Council members and state senators joined the chorus, arguing that the mayor’s legal troubles would impede his ability to govern effectively.
If Adams chooses not to resign, he can continue to serve as mayor while facing the charges. However, Governor Kathy Hochul or an “inability committee” — composed of the city comptroller, City Council speaker, a deputy mayor, and the longest-serving borough president — could force his removal, as outlined in the city charter.
In the event Adams leaves office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would step in as interim mayor, with a special election to follow.
Scott Stringer, a likely contender in the Democratic primary, was among the first to call for Adams to step down, saying, “The mayor needs to resign for the good of the city. His legal fight is not our fight.”
Comptroller Brad Lander, another potential opponent, echoed the sentiment, stating on X, “At this urgent moment, the city’s leaders must focus on how we can best ensure steady governance so that New York City can move forward and thrive.”
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