New York Mayor Eric L. Adams was indicted Wednesday following a federal corruption investigation New York Times. As reported, the indictment remains sealed and it remains unclear what charges Mayor Adams will face.
Adams will be the first New York City mayor to face criminal charges while in office. The charges come as the former senator and retired police chief face increasing scrutiny from the FBI and federal prosecutors in an investigation that began more than two years ago and focused on his 2021 mayoral campaign. The investigation was launched last years widely known, when the FBI searched the home of his chief fundraiser.
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers, I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said in a statement after news of the indictment broke. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with all my strength and spirit.”
Earlier Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.) Adams to resign, in a message on X“The flood of layoffs and vacancies threatens the functioning of the government. Non-stop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.”
She continued, “For the sake of the city, he must resign.”
So does Brad Lander, the city comptroller running for mayor urged Adams to resign from his position. “The hardworking people of New York City deserve city government and leadership they can trust,” he said. “Right now they don’t have it.”
If Adams were to resign, New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor.