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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal charges, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The specifics of the indictment, which involves Adams, a member of the Democratic Party, remained sealed as of late Wednesday. These individuals spoke with The Associated Press under conditions of anonymity because they were not authorized to share details publicly.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan opted not to comment on the matter, and initial reports of the indictment were first made by The New York Times.
In a personal statement, Adams expressed concerns about being a target due to his commitment to the people of New York. He declared, “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
During a speech recorded at his residence, Adams recognized that his legal troubles might lead some New Yorkers to question his leadership capabilities, yet he pledged to maintain his position as mayor. “I have been facing these lies for months… yet the city has continued to improve,” he asserted. “Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.”
Details about when the charges will be publicly disclosed or when Adams may need to appear in court are still unknown.
This indictment represents a significant turn of events for Adams, a former police captain who was elected nearly three years ago as the second Black mayor of New York City, on a platform emphasizing a law-and-order strategy to combat crime.
Investigations Unfolding
Throughout the past year, Adams has faced escalating scrutiny due to various federal investigations targeting key advisers within his administration. The investigations have been marked by a series of subpoenas, searches, and the departure of high-ranking officials, placing City Hall in a precarious position.
Adams has consistently maintained that he was unaware of any illegal activities and had expressed his intention to remain in office as recently as Wednesday afternoon.
Notably, Adams is the first sitting mayor in New York City’s history to be indicted. If he were to resign, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would take over and subsequently arrange a special election.
Governor Kathy Hochul holds the authority to remove Adams from his position, although her office did not respond immediately to requests for comments regarding the indictment.
On the eve of the indictment being announced, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Adams’s resignation, citing the ongoing federal investigations and the unexpected resignations of key officials. “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” she stated on the social media platform X.
Adams dismissed Ocasio-Cortez’s comments, branding her as self-righteous.
Background of Investigations
The federal investigations into Adams’s administration became public on November 2, 2023, when FBI agents conducted a raid at the Brooklyn residence of Adams’s chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Adams was adamant at the time that his campaign adhered to the law and stated he would be “shocked” if anyone affiliated with his campaign acted unlawfully. “I cannot tell you how much I start the day with telling my team we’ve got to follow the law,” he remarked to reporters.
Shortly after, federal agents confiscated Adams’s phones and iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan, a detail that was disclosed by the mayor’s attorney some days later.
On September 4, investigators also seized electronic devices from several key members of Adams’s administration, including the police commissioner, schools chancellor, and his deputy mayor for public safety, among others.
While federal prosecutors have not commented publicly on the inquiries, those with knowledge of the situation have indicated that multiple investigations are focusing on senior aides, their relatives, campaign fundraising operations, and potential influence peddling involving the police and fire departments.
In the aftermath of the investigations, Police Commissioner Edward Caban announced his resignation, indicating he wanted to avoid distracting from the city’s work. This was followed by Schools Chancellor David Banks’s announcement of his retirement at the end of the year.
Adams has reiterated his intention to continue focusing on his responsibilities as the investigations progress.
Over the summer, federal subpoenas were issued to Adams, his campaign organization, and City Hall, seeking information pertaining to the mayor’s schedule, overseas travel, and possible connections with the Turkish government.
Having served for 22 years in the New York City Police Department before his political career, Adams held positions as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president before winning the mayoral election in 2021.
Public Perception Shift
Adams’s approval ratings have waned following over two years in office. While employment rates have risen and certain crime rates have decreased in the city, the administration has been heavily involved in addressing housing needs for thousands of migrants who have filled city shelters.
Compounding this pressure are ongoing allegations and suspicions surrounding individuals close to the mayor.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has brought charges against six individuals, including a former police captain associated with Adams, related to a scheme that allegedly sought to divert public matching funds to his campaign for preferential treatment from the city. Adams was not implicated in this case.
Additionally, Eric Ulrich, a former top official in building safety, has faced charges related to accepting bribes and providing political favors, including access to Adams. Ulrich has pleaded not guilty and contests the charges against him.
In February, federal investigators searched properties owned by Winnie Greco, a close aide to Adams who has been active in fundraising efforts within the Chinese American community and serves as the director of Asian affairs. Greco has not publicly addressed the FBI’s actions and continues to serve in her role.
During the September seizures from Caban, agents also approached other individuals within his network, including his twin brother James Caban and several other close associates, seizing devices without reporting any allegations against them.
All individuals involved have denied any wrongdoing in connection with ongoing investigations.
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