New York Mayor slapped with federal criminal charges indictment
3 Min Read
Despite the ongoing investigations, Adams has maintained a facade of business as usual as he prepares for reelection in 2025.
-
New York City Mayor Eric Adams on November 14, 2023 (AFP)
New York Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges, according to reports from US media on Wednesday, following several investigations into alleged corruption within his administration and the resignations of key officials.
While the specifics of the sealed indictment remain unclear, The New York Times and other outlets confirmed that Adams is the first sitting mayor of New York to face such charges.
At least four federal investigations are currently targeting the Democratic ex-cop, including three led by the US District Court in Manhattan, which are examining individuals close to the Mayor and high-ranking officials in his administration.
Adams proclaimed his "innocence" in a statement released Wednesday, saying, "I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target -- and a target I became." He added, "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
Details regarding the indictment are anticipated to be disclosed by federal prosecutors on Thursday, as reported by US media citing sources familiar with the situation. Despite the ongoing investigations, Adams has maintained a facade of business as usual as he prepares for reelection in 2025.
Dive deeper
Earlier in the day, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Mayor Eric Adams to resign, marking the first time a national figure has made such a demand. She said, "The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function," adding that "nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration."
The indictment poses a potential embarrassment to Democrats, coming just forty days before the US presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, who are neck and neck in the polls. Political analyst Doug Muzzio told AFP it was unlikely Adams could "walk away from all the activity" surrounding him.
Adams has faced recent turmoil with the resignations of key officials, including Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, Education Chancellor David Banks, Police Chief Edward Caban, and his legal adviser Lisa Zornberg. Caban stepped down after federal agents seized his electronics, with investigators reportedly focusing on his brother's nightclub security business.
The investigations have exposed possible conflicts of interest within Adams' circle, including ties to a consulting firm run by Terence Banks, brother of Schools Chancellor David Banks and Deputy Mayor Philip Banks. Adams is also under scrutiny for allegedly urging approval of a new Turkish consulate high-rise despite safety concerns, linked to a probe into foreign donations to his 2021 campaign.
While violent crime has decreased under his leadership, the city still grapples with a severe housing crisis, and Adams is already facing challengers in next year’s primary.
It is worth noting that a coalition of billionaires and influential business figures, aiming to influence American public opinion regarding the Israeli war on Gaza, urged New York City's Mayor in private to deploy police to quell pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, The Washington Post reported in May, citing communications obtained and individuals familiar with the group.
