Eric Adams, who took office as the 110th mayor of New York City at the start of 2022 and has been gearing up to run for re-election in a crowded race for City Hall next year, was indicted by federal prosecutors Wednesday, the New York Times first reported.
While details of the allegations against him had not been made public as of early Thursday morning, the indictment follows months of speculation and multiple corruption investigations surrounding the Adams administration. A number of high-ranking officials have had their phones seized and homes searched, and several have resigned in recent weeks.
News site THE CITY, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the mayor “is being charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for taking actions in his official capacity after receiving donations from foreign sources.” Federal authorities have been looking into Adams’ 2021 election campaign since last year for alleged illegal donations tied to the Turkish government, several media outlets reported at the time.
Adams, for his part, has maintained his innocence. In a video statement shared with reporters Wednesday, the mayor called any potential charges against him “entirely false” and “based on lies.”
“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If I’m charged, I know I am innocent,” he said, denying that the legal troubles will impact his ability to govern.
“If I am charged, many may say I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case. I can also understand every day New Yorkers will be concerned that I cannot do my job while I face accusations,” Adams continued. “But I have been facing these lies for months, since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigation started, yet the city has continued to improve. Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city, and lead it, I will.”
Indeed, a chorus of elected officials and local leaders have called for Adams to step down, while others say they’re withholding judgement until more details are released. Here’s a look at public reactions to the news so far.
Theo Oshiro, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York: “It is clear that Mayor Adams no longer has the ability to lead this city and must resign immediately. This mayor has failed to better the lives of immigrants and working class communities of color; his focus has always been on enriching his inner circle and concentrating power in the hands of the well-connected. This news is a reflection of the corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the mayor’s office from day one. This indictment, the cloud of suspicion, and the cascade of resignations from top officials have made it impossible for Mayor Adams to continue to do his job on behalf of New Yorkers. We deserve a leader who can dedicate their full attention to the needs of this city. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has spent his career working to improve the lives of all New Yorkers and is well-equipped to step into this position at such a precarious time and bring dignity back to the office of mayor.”