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New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery, wire fraud and two other federal crimes, on Thursday, becoming the first sitting mayor in modern history to face federal criminal charges.
US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York unveiled a sprawling five-count indictment against Adams, accusing him of seeking and accepting “illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals.”
The charges stem from a months-long federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
Adams said he was “not surprised” by the charges and declared he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City.
Federal agents descended upon the Gracie Mansion on Thursday morning, seizing Adams’ cell phone and conducting a search warrant.
Adams denied all allegations of wrongdoing in a pre-recorded video released on Wednesday evening. He described any charges he may face as “entirely false” and “based on lies.”
Current and former lawmakers have called for Adams to resign – though he has rejected those.
Adams’ press conference interrupted by protesters
Mayor Eric Adams smiled through an extremely chaotic press conference on Thursday morning and he and his allies tried to speak while protesters shouted at him and interrupted.
Protesters screamed “disgrace” and “resign” at Adams as he attempted to declare his innocence.
His allies, who spoke in defense of Adams, shouted into a microphone, asking the protesters to “shut up” and stop screaming at them.
Adams says he ‘expected’ charges
Mayor Eric Adams said he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City despite being indicted on five federal criminal charges on Wednesday evening.
In a press conference, Adams said “expected” the charges and was “not surprised.”
Adams allegedly accepted lavish benefits from Turkish government official
Mayor Eric Adams allegedly accepted luxurious benefits from at least one Turkish government official, federal prosecutors allege.
The mayor also allegedly accepted luxury travel benefits from wealthy foreigners and sought to conceal them.
Indictment accuses Adams of accepting ‘straw’ donor contributions
The federal indictment against Adams accuses him of accepting “straw” donations, or illegal campaign contributions.
Federal prosecutors allege nationals gave Adams contributions with money that was given to them by other foreign individuals.
“Adams increased his fundraising by accepting these concealed, illegal donations – at he costs of giving his secret patrons the undue influence over him that the law tries to prevent,” federal prosecutors said
Eric Adams charged with bribery, wire fraud and more
Eric Adams was charged with four federal crimes associated with his solicitation and acceptance of illegal campaign contributions.
In a federal indictment, unsealed on Thursday, prosecutors charged Adams with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bribery, and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national
The charges, stemming from an investigation into Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials
Watch live: Criminal charges against Eric Adams expected to be unsealed
Chuck Schumer declines to comment on indictment
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked to comment on the Eric Adams indictment.
Here’s what he didn’t have to say.
Everything you need to know about FBI probe
Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one criminal charge by federal prosecutors, making him the first mayor of the city to be charged in office, according to reports.
Adams is under federal investigation over campaign fundraising violations and foreign influence, according to the New York Times, which first reported the indictment on Wednesday night.
Graeme Massie and Rhian Lubin report:
Press conference to be held at 11:30 am ET
US Attorneys in Manhattan announced there will be a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET to unveil “significant public corruption charges.”
Biden met with former NYC mayor on Wednesday evening
President Joe Bide met with former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday evening for a reception at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In his remarks, the president said: “He’s not the mayor right now, but he’s still the mayor.”
His comment was met with laughter from the audience.
Just hours later, it would be revealed that the current mayor, Eric Adams, was indicted.
Source: independent.co.uk
