NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted After Federal Probe
Eric Adams has become the first serving New York City mayor to be indicted by a grand jury in a historic federal investigation.
According to the New York Post, sources close to Adams said he had not been told about the indictment. After the news, cops set up barriers outside Gracie Mansion, his home, and moved reporters back.
The exact accusations are unclear but seem related to claims that the Turkish government illegally gave money to his campaign for approval of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. It’s also unknown how the indictment connects to a series of Sept. 4 raids targeting some of his officials, which caused chaos in City Hall amid reports of possible corruption by his close aides.
Eric Adams is the first New York City mayor to be charged by a grand jury in a federal investigation. The charges came after several investigations into the Mayor and his team.
Adams insists he is innocent and claims he is being targeted for opposing Biden’s immigration policy.
He said he will fight the charges.
Adams responded to the reports on Wednesday night.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would be targeted — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every bit of my strength and spirit,” Adams said.
By Wednesday morning, word had spread that a senior City Hall official would soon be charged, causing panic among staff, insiders said. The charges come after federal prosecutors recently demanded all communications between City Hall, the Adams administration, Turkey, and five other countries amid an ongoing investigation.
Adams’ 2021 campaign had previously been asked for information on its campaign donations, specifically those linked to Turkey, according to the Post.
Federal investigators looking into Mayor Adams’ 2021 campaign focused on a series of text messages. These texts suggest he helped speed up the opening of the Turkish government’s new diplomatic headquarters in Manhattan. This information comes from sources close to the case.
In September 2021, Adams, who was then the Brooklyn borough president and a candidate for mayor, exchanged texts with Turkish Consul General Reyhan Özgür and then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. FBI agents found these texts after taking Adams’ electronic devices~New York Post.
This news has caused various reactions from political figures and constituents. Some calling for his resignation.
According to CBS New York, when asked if he would resign, Adams firmly rejected the idea. He said, “I’m stepping up, not stepping down. I have a city to run.”
Adams stated he is excited to run for reelection and hopes to be sworn in for a second term. A spokesperson for Adams said, “We expect everyone on the team to fully cooperate with any ongoing investigation.”
As the legal process continues, it will be a major topic in the media and politics.