New York City Mayor Eric Adams is defiant despite his legal troubles.
It was revealed late Wednesday night that Adams was indicted after a federal corruption investigation, the Washington Examiner reported. He had been under investigation for his fundraising efforts during his 2021 mayoral campaign, according to reports. The specific charges of his case are sealed and were not disclosed to the public.
As news spread of his indictment, the New York City mayor released a video denying any wrongdoing and claiming the charges were “based on lies.” He also said that he would not resign.
“My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes,” Adams said. “If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies, but they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target, and a target I became.”
“For months, leaks and rumors had been aimed at me in an attempt to undermine my credibility, and paint me as guilty,” Adams said.
The federal charges against New York City’s mayor follows several federal investigations and multiple resignations from top city government officials in the last month, local media outlets reported. The New York Police Department commissioner, the city’s health commissioner, the mayor’s chief legal counsel, and the city’s chancellor of public schools recently tendered their resignations.
“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If I’m charged, I know I am innocent,” Adams declared.
Despite his vow not to step down, Adams faced many calls for his resignation, including political rival and likely future mayoral candidate Brad Lander, New York City’s comptroller, and Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez posted on X. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”
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Adams addressed such concerns in his statement on Wednesday night.
“Now, if I am charged, many may say I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case,” Adams said. “I can also understand everyday New Yorkers would be concerned that I cannot do my job while I face accusation. But I have been facing these lies for months since I began to speak out for all of you, and their investigation started, yet the city has continued to improve. Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will.”
