New York Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, as confirmed by two individuals familiar with the situation. The indictment against Adams, a member of the Democratic Party, remains sealed as of late Wednesday. These details were provided anonymously, as the individuals were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan has declined to comment, and the indictment was initially reported by The New York Times. In response, Adams issued a statement implying ignorance of the indictment, stating, “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

The precise details of the charges against Adams are currently unknown, and it remains unclear when these would be made public or when Adams might have to appear in court. The indictment represents a dramatic turn of events for Adams, a former police captain who became the second Black mayor of New York City nearly three years ago, advocating for a law-and-order approach to reducing crime.

Adams is facing legal challenges amid numerous federal investigations into his administration and advisers. These investigations have ushered in a series of subpoenas, searches, and departures of key officials, plunging the City Hall into turmoil. Despite these challenges, Adams has continuously denied knowledge of any misconduct and declared his intention to remain in office as recently as Wednesday afternoon.

These developments have led to calls for Adams’s resignation from prominent figures like U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who argued that the investigations and departures make it impossible for effective governance. Ocasio-Cortez, in a post on the social media platform X, stated, “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.”

The investigations reportedly stem from various sources, including potential illegal campaign contributions facilitated through foreign governments and undue influence pertaining to the city’s police and fire departments. “I start each day reminding my team we must follow the law,” Adams previously told reporters.

Adams, 64, came into public office after 22 years of service in New York City’s police department. The broader implications of this indictment for city governance remain unclear, with concerns about “who’s in charge” amid widespread resignations, as observed by Douglas Muzzio, a former political science professor at Baruch College.

Governor Kathy Hochul holds the authority to remove Adams from office, but at present, her office has not commented. As the legal proceedings unfold, City Comptroller Brad Lander has also urged for Adams’s resignation, given the demands such charges place on city leadership.