NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted by Federal Grand Jury, Could Surrender Next Week
Sept. 25 (UPI) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to sources familiar with the case. The indictment, still under seal, is expected to be made public on Thursday. Adams could potentially surrender to authorities early next week, becoming the first sitting mayor in New York City history to face criminal charges.
The charges remain undisclosed, but the indictment follows a year of escalating federal investigations involving Adams and members of his administration. At least four separate probes have taken place, leading to high-profile resignations across the mayor's government.
Responding to the indictment, Adams issued a defiant statement Wednesday night:
"I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would become a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
Although the nature of the charges is unclear, the investigations have placed increasing scrutiny on Adams' administration. Over the past year, federal agents seized Adams' cell phones and searched the homes of several of his closest aides. A series of high-ranking officials — including the city's police commissioner, chief counsel, and schools chancellor — have resigned amid the mounting investigations.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was among those calling for Adams to step down.
"The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function," Ocasio-Cortez posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign."
Adams, a retired NYPD captain, was elected three years ago with a focus on reducing crime. However, the series of investigations have increasingly overshadowed his tenure. Earlier this month, Adams acknowledged his shock at the breadth of the probes, emphasizing his commitment to the law.
"I take them extremely seriously," he told reporters. "Every member of my administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law."
Among the investigations, federal agents have scrutinized Adams' campaign fundraising practices, including a probe into potential links to a kickback scheme involving the Turkish government. Last year, the FBI confiscated Adams' electronic devices, though they were later returned and no charges were filed at the time.
Additionally, city contracts and regulations surrounding bars and nightclubs have been subjects of investigation. Earlier this month, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned amid a federal probe into nightclub enforcement by the department. Adams swiftly appointed former FBI official Tom Donjon as interim commissioner.
While Adams is not legally required to resign following the indictment, political pressure is expected to mount. Should Adams step down, New York City's public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would temporarily assume the role of mayor until a special election is held.
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