New York, NY — Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal corruption charges, a development that has thrown New York City’s government into turmoil. The charges, unsealed on Thursday, allege bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy dating back to Adams’ time as Brooklyn borough president. The indictment also accuses Adams of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
Adams, who has maintained his innocence, said he remains focused on his role as mayor, despite growing pressure from political rivals and some allies to step down. “My attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams said in his first public remarks following the indictment.
The 57-page indictment has intensified scrutiny of Adams, who is also under investigation in four other federal probes. Despite his insistence on continuing his duties, the city’s day-to-day operations have reportedly been disrupted. High-level vacancies, including the police chief and schools chancellor, have added to the city’s administrative challenges.
Federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, outlined the seriousness of the charges. “These are bright red lines, and we allege that the mayor crossed them repeatedly for years,” Williams said during a press conference.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, has so far refrained from acting. She has described the charges as “very serious” and is carefully reviewing the situation. President Joe Biden, when asked if Adams should resign, responded, “I don’t know.”
Political fallout has been swift. Several of Adams’ Democratic primary challengers, including former City Comptroller Scott Stringer and current City Comptroller Brad Lander, have called for his resignation. “There is simply zero chance that the wheels of government will move forward full steam ahead,” Stringer said.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed the sentiment, citing concerns about Adams’ ability to effectively govern while under federal indictment. “This is squarely about Mayor Adams’ ability to govern New York City,” she said.
On the national level, the indictment could have implications for U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow Brooklyn Democrat, as he works to position his party for a successful 2024 election. Jeffries has not called for Adams’ resignation but emphasized the mayor’s presumption of innocence. “A jury of the mayor’s peers will now evaluate the charges,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Adams, who rose to prominence as a transit cop before becoming the city’s second Black mayor, now faces the fight of his political career. While his closest advisors remain scattered, he continues to defend his position. As the legal and political battles unfold, New York City’s future hangs in the balance.
