Sources familiar with the matter told the New York Times on Wednesday night that Adams was indicted following a federal corruption investigation, though the specific charges are sealed. This would make him the first mayor in the city’s history to be indicted while in office.
In a statement to the outlet, Adams remained defiant.
“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,” he said.
While the charges are unknown at this time, the federal investigation into Adams was focused partly on allegations that Adams conspired with the Turkish government to push through the construction of a new Turkish consulate, eschewing safety concerns. In return, the Turkish government allegedly funneled illegal foreign funds into his campaign war chest, multiple outlets have reported.
Adams’s rivals in the upcoming mayoral election were quick to call upon him to step down.
“The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands,” City Comptroller Brad Lander said, according to the outlet.
“We need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face,” State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said.
If Adams resigns, public advocate Jumaane Williams would become the acting mayor and set a date for a special election. However, the mayor has repeatedly insisted that he will not do so.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Justice, FBI, IRS, and the city Department of Investigation all have investigations into Adams, though in most cases it isn’t clear what crimes they are focusing on.
Investigations and accusations of corruption have plagued Adams since November 2023, when the FBI raided the homes of two of his associates. Numerous close associates have since been investigated, raided, and arrested, some as recently as this month, presenting a chaotic image of his administration.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) became the most prominent Democrat to call on Adams to resign ahead of the report. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) declined to do the same.
Adams’s phone and iPad were seized in November, one of the first indications of a major investigation. In July, the mayor was served two grand jury subpoenas. The past month has seen a slew of new revelations, raids, and resignations.
