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New York City Mayor Eric Adams was criminally indicted on Wednesday on federal charges, according to people familiar with the matter.
The New York Times was the first to report the news.
It is unclear at this time what the charges could be as the indictment is under seal. For months, the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing.
Adams is the first New York City mayor in history to face a criminal indictment.
Representatives of the US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the city Department of Investigation declined to comment to the newspaper.
The agencies are expected to reveal the details on Thursday.
It’s thought the Turkish government may have illegally putting money into Adams’ mayoral campaign in exchange for him approving a Turkish consulate in Manhattan, the New York Post reported. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is currently in New York.
New York Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez became the first federal legislator to call for Adams to resign. If he does not, Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove him from office.
Mayor Adams responds
“I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became,” Adams has said. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Michelle Del Rey26 September 2024 03:20
Details to be announced on Thursday
Adams’ indictment remains sealed, so it’s not known what the charges against him are. Federal prosecutors, the FBI and the city’s Department of Investigation will announce the details on Thursday.
Michelle Del Rey26 September 2024 03:10
READ IT: Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
For months the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing.
According to reports, Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021 mayoral campaign through his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
The New York City mayor has been vocal about his longstanding relationship with Turkey and the Turkish-American community of New York. He previously boasted that he’s made at least six trips to Turkey.
Reports circulated that Adams received campaign donations from employees of a Brooklyn-based construction company owned by a Turkish-American businessman.
Adams has vehemently denied any allegations.
The FBI and the New York City Department of Investigations will release more information on Thursday.
Michelle Del Rey26 September 2024 02:52
Charges may deal with Adams’ mayoral campaign
In November, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, the mayor’s chief fund-raiser, leaving with with two laptop computers, three iPhones and a manila folder labeled “Eric Adams,” The New York Times reported.
Until then, a federal probe focused partially on Adams’ mayoral campaign had been kept secret, the outlet reported. Suggs has not been charged with a crime.
A few days following the raid, FBI agents climbed into Adams’ SUV and took his electronic devices.
It’s not yet known what the charges against the mayor are. On Thursday, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the first member of Congress to call for Adams’ resignation.
Michelle Del Rey26 September 2024 02:45
New York City mayor Eric Adams indicted
This is a live blog covering the indictment of New York City mayor Eric Adams.
Graeme Massie26 September 2024 02:26