New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal corruption charges. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unveiled a five-count indictment against him on Thursday. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, solicitation of foreign contributions and acceptance of bribes, wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of contributions by a foreign national, and bribery. This indictment is part of a broader federal investigation into Adams’ administration and his 2021 mayoral campaign.
Recent Developments in the Federal Investigation
On Thursday morning, federal agents searched Adams’ Upper East Side home, as part of a sweeping corruption investigation. The raid, conducted around 6 a.m., occurred just hours before federal prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in the Southern District of New York were expected to announce charges. Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, criticized the agents’ actions as an unnecessary spectacle, reaffirming that the mayor has not been arrested and is looking forward to his day in court.
Investigators are reportedly focusing on violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), with particular attention on ties to the Turkish government and additional inquiries into Adams’ dealings with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, revealed that Adams is accused of accepting over $100,000 in illegal gifts and using his powers to benefit Turkey. “This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise: Eric Adams,” Mr. Williams stated. He emphasized that the mayor had kept the public in the dark about his dealings for years.
Adams has denied the allegations, asserting, “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense.” In the face of five federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, he has pledged to remain in office despite mounting calls for his resignation. The indictment, which was unsealed on Thursday morning after the search of the mayor’s official residence, follows an investigation that began in 2021.
The investigation centers on whether Adams conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign campaign contributions in exchange for acting on its behalf. Prosecutors allege that since at least 2014, when he served as Brooklyn borough president, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, including luxury travel on Turkish Airlines and complimentary meals and hotel accommodations from wealthy foreigners and at least one Turkish government official.
In return, Adams allegedly pressured New York Fire Department officials to allow a new Turkish consulate building in Manhattan, despite safety concerns. A Fire Department official reported being told he would lose his job if he did not comply with the order. Prosecutors highlighted the mayor’s attempts to conceal these gifts, asserting their total value exceeded $100,000 and describing his actions as a “clumsy cover-up.”
Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain who was elected mayor in 2021, campaigned on a promise to reduce crime and usher in a new era of leadership at City Hall. However, his administration has been plagued by growing federal investigations, and the indictment has further destabilized his team. Over the past month, several high-ranking officials within Adams’ inner circle have either resigned or been targeted by federal investigations. This month, top officials in his administration, including Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban and Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, had their phones confiscated by federal agents. Both have since resigned, further adding to the turmoil.
Political Fallout: Growing Calls for Resignation
With the 2024 mayoral race approaching, Adams’ indictment has cast a shadow over his re-election bid. Once seen as a strong contender with an inspiring background story, he now faces mounting pressure to step down. His political future hangs in the balance, and questions surrounding his ability to lead New York City continue to grow.
As news of the indictment spread, several political figures—particularly from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing—called for Adams to resign. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns over the mayor’s ability to govern effectively in light of the resignations of several top city officials, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban. “For the good of the city, he should resign,” she said. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “sad day for New Yorkers.” While acknowledging Adams’ presumption of innocence, Lander suggested that the mayor’s legal battles would distract him from leading the city. Manhattan Borough President and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer also urged Adams to step down, stating, “His fight is not our fight.”
An Uncertain Future for New York City
For now, Adams has firmly stated his intention to remain in office. Should he choose—or be forced—to resign, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would step in as acting mayor, triggering a special election within 80 days. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the only official with the authority to remove Adams from office, has not yet commented on the situation.
The indictment has also raised concerns about the broader implications for City Hall, where several high-ranking officials are under investigation for corruption, further casting a shadow over Adams’ administration. These charges and the calls for Adams’ resignation come at a delicate time for New York City. Earlier this week, the mayor attended a high-profile reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden but made no public remarks. Meanwhile, the city is hosting diplomats from around the world for the United Nations General Assembly—some of whom have been linked to Adams’ dealings in the ongoing investigation.
As this unprecedented case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge. Follow us at @theballout to stay updated on the latest developments.
