NYC Mayor denies federal charges of fraud, bribery; refuses to resign
2 Min Read
Prosecutors claim the scheme started when Adams was Brooklyn Borough President and continued after he became mayor in 2021.
-
The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, at a press conference outside Gracie Mansion, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a political and legal crisis after being indicted on five federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, news sources in the US report.
The indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges that Adams allegedly conspired with the Turkish government, accepting illegal campaign contributions and gifts in exchange for political favors.
Prosecutors claim the scheme started when Adams was Brooklyn Borough President and continued after he became mayor in 2021.
According to Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Adams was "showered" with illegal gifts, including luxury travel and accommodations worth over $100,000.
Holy shit. "Your policies are anti-Black!! You are a disgrace to all Black people in this city!" Eric Adams press conference being righteously disrupted right now. pic.twitter.com/WTH1Ia0iPK
— Read Abolish Rent (@JoshuaPHilll) September 26, 2024
Adams denies charges
Adams has defiantly denied the charges, stating at a press conference that he will not resign and urged New Yorkers to hear his defense.
Surrounded by supporters at Gracie Mansion, he positioned himself as a victim of political attacks, despite calls for his resignation from other elected officials.
The indictment further alleges that Adams used his influence to pressure the New York Fire Department to approve a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan, ignoring safety concerns.
The indictment paints a picture of Adams hiding the gifts and fabricating records to make it appear he had paid for them.
The investigation has been ongoing since 2021 and culminated dramatically when federal agents searched Gracie Mansion early Thursday morning.
Read more: New York Mayor slapped with federal criminal charges indictment
Adams' legal troubles are compounded by multiple federal investigations into his administration, including probes into his top officials.
His lawyer, Alex Spiro, criticized the manner of the investigation, arguing that the agents’ actions were unnecessarily dramatic.
As calls for Adams' resignation mount, the possibility of New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams becoming acting mayor grows.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, has yet to issue a statement or comment on the situation.
