New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges by a grand jury, according to two people familiar with the matter, in an extraordinary culmination of weeks of raids, subpoenas and resignations of top officials. range that have plunged the city government into a crisis.
The indictment detailing the charges against Adams will be unsealed Thursday, according to the people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The Manhattan federal prosecutor’s office declined to comment.
In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to run the city while fighting the accusations, but he vowed to remain in office.
“I’ve been facing these lies for months… and yet the city has continued to improve,” Adams said. “Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and that is what I will do.”
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers I would be a target, and I became one,” Adams said. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
It was not immediately clear which laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he will appear in court.
Federal investigators seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least in part, on Adams’ campaign contributions and interactions with the Turkish government. Since the charges were sealed, it was unknown if they related to those same matters.
The indictment, first reported by The New York Times, represents a stunning setback for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the second black mayor of the nation’s most populous city, based on on a platform in which he promised a law-and-order approach to reducing crime.
For much of the last year, Adams has faced growing legal danger, with multiple federal investigations into his top aides. In just the past two weeks, the leaders he appointed to oversee the nation’s largest police force and largest school system have announced their resignations.
Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be charged while in office. If he resigns, he would be replaced by the ombudsman, Jumaane Williams, who would call a special election.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Hochul spokesman Avi Small issued a statement Wednesday evening saying, “Governor Hochul is aware of this troubling news and is monitoring the situation. “It would be premature to comment further until law enforcement confirms the matter.”
The accusation occurs in the context of the United Nations General Assembly, which has brought together dozens of world leaders in New York, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Federal investigations into Adams’ administration first came to light on Nov. 2, 2023, when FBI agents conducted an early morning raid on the Brooklyn home of his top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs.
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