NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The details of the indictment against Adams, a Democrat, remain sealed, as officials work to manage the legal proceedings.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan has not commented on the matter. Reports of the indictment have emerged in recent news coverage.
In response to the indictment, Adams issued a statement suggesting he was not previously informed. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would become 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,” he stated.
It remains unclear when the specific charges will be publicly disclosed or when Adams is expected to appear in court.
This indictment represents a significant turn of events for Adams, who has been under increasing scrutiny and facing multiple federal investigations related to his administration and key advisers.
Adams had previously maintained that he was unaware of any illegal activities and asserted his commitment to continuing his role as mayor.
If the situation leads to Adams’ resignation, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would assume temporary leadership and call a special election.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul holds the authority to remove Adams from office; however, her office has not provided a comment on the indictment as of late Wednesday.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called for Adams’ resignation, indicating concerns over the ongoing federal investigations into his administration.
Adams responded critically to Ocasio-Cortez, dismissing her remarks and questioning her motives.
The federal investigations into Adams’ administration have been ongoing since November 2, 2023, following a raid on the home of a top fundraising associate, raising alarms about potential improprieties within his political circle.
Subsequent actions included the seizure of the mayor’s electronic devices and an investigation into various aides and associates connected to him, suggesting a wide-reaching scrutiny of his administration’s activities.
Adams, who previously served for 22 years in the New York City Police Department before entering politics, was elected mayor in 2021. His administration, while initially marked by hopes of addressing crime and public safety, now faces significant challenges amid ongoing legal investigations.
The recent legal troubles are compounded by declining public approval as residents express concerns over housing and local governance amid ongoing national and local pressures.
Several individuals close to Adams have already faced charges relating to corruption and bribery, intensifying the scrutiny on his leadership and raising questions about the ethical conduct of his administration.
As investigations progress, the implications for Adams and his administration may reshape New York City’s political landscape significantly.
