In a historic turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to sources familiar with the matter. The charges, which remain under seal, mark the first time a sitting mayor in New York City's history has faced indictment while in office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on the indictment at this time.
Adams, a former NYPD officer turned politician, issued a defiant statement in response to the news late Wednesday, vowing to fight the charges. "I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," Adams said.
The mayor has been under the shadow of federal investigations for nearly a year, along with several members of his inner circle. In recent weeks, federal agents seized his cell phones and conducted searches at the residences of his close confidants as part of a series of corruption probes. Two weeks ago, Adams accepted the resignation of his handpicked police commissioner, Edward Caban, following a subpoena for Caban's phones. Meanwhile, Adams’ chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, also stepped down amidst the ongoing investigation.
Adding to the turmoil, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks announced plans to retire at the end of the year. Banks, who had also handed over his phone to federal authorities, is the latest high-profile figure to exit the Adams administration. His two brothers, Philip and Terence Banks, both of whom are tied to the administration, also had their phones seized by federal agents. David Banks' fiancée, Sheena Wright, who serves as the city's first deputy mayor, was similarly targeted.
Despite mounting pressure, Adams has remained steadfast, denying any knowledge of wrongdoing within his administration. He has repeatedly dismissed allegations of corruption, calling them "rumors and innuendo." On Wednesday afternoon, hours before news of the indictment broke, Adams reiterated his commitment to stay in office. "The people of this city elected me to fight for them, and I will stay and fight no matter what," he said.
Federal scrutiny of Adams’ administration first came to light in November 2023, when FBI agents conducted a pre-dawn raid on the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, Adams' chief fundraiser. At the time, Adams expressed shock over the allegations, maintaining that his team had always acted within the bounds of the law. "I cannot tell you how much I start the day with telling my team we've got to follow the law," Adams told reporters.
The investigation, which has rocked the city's political landscape, raises significant questions about the future of Adams’ administration. Calls for his resignation have already begun to surface, with progressive voices like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggesting that Adams step down. However, Adams remains resolute, responding to his critics with a pledge to continue serving the people of New York.
"I will stay and fight," Adams declared, as the city braces for what could be a prolonged legal battle and further political fallout.
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