New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury following a months-long investigation into alleged corruption, according to sources familiar with the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, led by Damian Williams, is expected to formally unveil the charges on Thursday. This indictment makes Adams the first sitting New York City mayor in history to face criminal charges while in office.
Adams addressed the looming indictment in a video statement released through his attorney, Alex Spiro, who is also representing the mayor in a separate civil lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault. In his statement, Adams vehemently denied any wrongdoing, framing the indictment as politically motivated. “If I am charged, I am innocent and will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams declared.
The mayor also suggested that the investigation may have been triggered by his outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing migrant crisis. He pointed to the federal government’s lack of action in providing relief for New York City’s overwhelmed shelter system, which has seen an unprecedented influx of migrants. Adams explained, “When the federal government did nothing… I put the people of New York before party and politics,” and implied that this stance may have made him a political target.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Adams reassured New Yorkers that his ability to govern the city would remain intact. “The city has continued to improve,” he said, while pledging to fight the accusations without stepping away from his responsibilities as mayor.
While Adams has expressed his determination to remain in office, the indictment has sparked immediate calls for his resignation. Political rivals and city officials, including potential opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary, voiced their concerns about the potential impact of the indictment on the mayor’s ability to govern effectively. Comptroller Brad Lander and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer were among those urging Adams to step down, emphasizing the need for New York City to focus on pressing issues such as affordable housing, education, and public safety. Stringer stated, “His legal fight is not our fight… the mayor needs to resign for the good of the city.”
Under the city’s charter, if Adams were to resign or be removed from office, his role would be temporarily filled by the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams. A special election would then be called to elect a permanent successor. Alternatively, Governor Kathy Hochul or an “inability committee” composed of city officials could force his removal if they deem him unfit to continue in office.
As of now, the mayor’s office has not responded to further requests for comment, and the full details of the indictment are expected to emerge after it is unsealed on Thursday. This unprecedented development in New York City’s political landscape will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of the city’s leadership.
With the indictment looming and growing political pressure, Mayor Adams faces an uphill battle in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion as New Yorkers await more details about the nature of the charges against him.
