Sept. 25 (UPI) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to sources familiar with the matter, who say he could surrender to authorities early next week.
The indictment, which remains sealed, is expected to be unsealed Thursday, sources first told The New York Times, and then The New York Post and CNN, making Adams the first mayor in New York City’s history to be charged while in office.
The mayor and his inner circle have faced at least four federal investigations in the past year, as a growing number in his government resign.
Adams responded to news of the indictment Wednesday night.
“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.
While it is unclear what charge or charges the mayor will face, it comes as Adams and key members of his government have faced a number of investigations.
Over the past year, federal agents have seized the mayor’s cell phones and searched the residences of his closest confidants related to several corruption investigations, as his chief counsel, police commissioner and schools chancellor, among others, have resigned.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote earlier Wednesday in a post on X.
“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration,” she added. “For the good of the city, he should resign.”
Adams, who is a retired police captain, was elected nearly three years ago on the promise of reducing crime. During a press briefing earlier this month, Adams admitted he was shocked by all of the investigations.
“I take them extremely seriously,” Adams told reporters. “I have spent more than 20 years in law enforcement, and so every member of my administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law.”
Last year, the FBI confiscated Adams’ electronic devices as part of an investigation into his mayoral campaign’s fundraising and whether it was connected to an alleged kickback scheme involving the Turkish government. Adams’ devices were returned and no charges were filed.
City contracts and regulations governing bars and clubs have also come under close scrutiny.
Earlier this month, New York’s police commissioner Edward Caban resigned as federal investigators looked into the department’s nightclub enforcement.
“The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD,” Caban wrote in an email to NYPD members.
Adams quickly appointed former FBI official Tom Donjon as interim police commissioner.
Now that he reportedly faces indictment, Adams is not required to resign from office, but could face immense political pressure to step aside. In that event and until a special election could be held, New York City’s public advocate Jumaane Williams would take over.