New York Mayor Eric Adams, embroiled in scandal, has been charged on Thursday with offenses including wire fraud, soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, and conspiracy to commit bribery.
The indictment comes amid mounting pressure for his resignation.
The grand jury indictment follows an extensive investigation into Adams’ campaign and his close associates, centering on allegations that he conspired with Turkish government officials to receive illegal contributions in exchange for political favors.
A defiant Adams told reporters he looks “forward to defending myself” and dismissed calls for his resignation, asking New Yorkers to “wait to hear our side of the story.”
The 57-page indictment details crimes allegedly committed over the past decade, beginning when Adams was Brooklyn’s borough president. It claims he accepted luxury international travel from at least one Turkish official.
As he began his 2018 mayoral campaign, the indictment alleges Adams actively sought illegal contributions for his 2021 campaign, along with other valuable benefits from foreign nationals.
It states that as his influence grew, so did attempts by these foreign benefactors to exploit their corrupt relationships with him, particularly as it became apparent he would win the mayoralty in 2021. The indictment alleges Adams provided favorable treatment in exchange for these illicit benefits.
The turmoil within Adams’ administration has escalated over recent months, with several high-ranking allies resigning amid federal investigations, culminating in a pre-dawn raid on his official residence early Thursday.
Calls for Resignation
Adams, who is up for reelection in 2025, has maintained a business-as-usual approach despite the unfolding investigations. However, influential Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for his resignation on Wednesday, stating it was “for the good of the city.”
This indictment poses significant risks for the Democratic Party, arriving just 40 days before the U.S. presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, who are currently neck-and-neck in the polls.
The charges come on the heels of a tumultuous week for Adams, whose administration has already seen the resignations of Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan and Education Chancellor David Banks, a close associate. Both will depart at the end of 2024, following the immediate resignations of police chief Edward Caban—who stepped down just a year into his role—and Adams’ chief legal adviser, Lisa Zornberg.
Caban’s resignation follows the seizure of his electronics by federal investigators, who are reportedly scrutinizing his twin brother’s nightclub security business.
Investigations have exposed complex personal and business connections among the mayor’s inner circle, leading to potential conflicts of interest.
One investigation is focused on a consulting firm run by Terence Banks, whose brother David was the schools chancellor, and another brother, Philip, was appointed deputy mayor for public safety by Adams in 2022.
Adams, the city’s second Black mayor, won the 2021 Democratic primary with a pledge to reduce crime. Under his leadership, violent crime has decreased after a surge during the pandemic. However, the city of 8.5 million faces a housing crisis, with rents reaching unprecedented levels.
Adams already faces challengers from the left as he prepares for next year’s primary election. If he were to resign, the city’s public advocate, progressive Jumaane Williams, would assume the role of acting mayor until a special election is held.