New York City mayor, Eric Adams, reportedly indicted after corruption inquiry

After a federal corruption probe, there were rumors that New York City mayor Eric Adams had been charged, but he has stated he will remain in office. Federal prosecutors are anticipated to present the specific allegations against Adams, 64, on Thursday, according to the New York Times. The charges that Adams will face are still unknown. The first sitting mayor of New York City to face criminal charges will be him when the indictment, which was published separately by the Associated Press and CBS, is made public.

Adams seemingly denied knowing about the indictment in a video statement he posted upon the news’ dissemination. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target – and a target I became,” Adams said. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” While acknowledging that some New Yorkers will doubt his capacity to lead the city while he battles the allegations, Adams vowed to remain in office in the speech that was filmed at his official house.

Adams remarked, “I have been dealing with these lies for months, but the city has kept getting better.” Don’t make a mistake. I will govern this city as you have voted me to do. A representative for Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams from office, Avi Small, said the Times in a statement that the governor was aware of the situation and will be keeping an eye on it. “Until law enforcement confirms the matter, it would be premature to comment further,” Small stated.

The announcement coincides with the federal probe of some of his closest advisors and staffers, which was sparked by local prosecutors looking into his inner circle. Less than a month has passed since federal agents raided the residences of senior Adams administration officials, and this discovery relates to the president. Devices were taken by agents from the commissioner of the New York Police Department’s residence.

According to the New York Post, police erected barricades outside the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion. According to the outlet, employees at City Hall were in a frenzy all day Wednesday because they knew that Adams will shortly be charged. The Manhattan US Attorney’s office declined to comment.

The indictment, according to the city comptroller Brad Lander, was “a sad day for New Yorkers.” Senator Zellnor Myrie stated that it was “particularly painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this mayor” in addition to calling the indictment “sad.”

“The mayor needs to resign for the good of the city,” stated Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller who is anticipated to challenge Adams in the election. Stringer declared, “There is just no chance that the wheels of government will move forward from this full steam ahead.” Jumaane Williams, the public advocate for the city, would take over if Adams resigned, at which point a special election would be called.