New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicted in federal corruption probe: Report

New York City

Mayor Eric L Adams, who was elected nearly three years ago on promises to tackle crime, has been

indicted

following a

federal corruption

investigation, reported the New York Times citing sources familiar with the case.
The indictment, which remained sealed as of Wednesday, is expected to bring criminal charges against Adams, marking the first time a sitting NYC mayor faces such charges.

Details of the charges have not been made public, but Adams’ indictment is expected to shake New York City’s

political landscape

, coming just months before a competitive

mayoral primary

. Representatives for Adams and his legal team, including

Brendan R McGuire

and

Boyd M Johnson III

of

WilmerHale

, have declined to comment as of now.
In a statement, Adams, 64, maintained his innocence: "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit." He acknowledged the scrutiny he faced as mayor, saying he became a target for standing his ground for New Yorkers.

Adams is a former police captain and state senator who rose to prominence by advocating for police reform, particularly for Black officers. His career shift to politics culminated in his election as mayor, a dream he pursued for years. As mayor, Adams vowed to restore "swagger" to New York City and embraced various communities, but his administration has faced scrutiny for involving friends and associates with checkered pasts.

Federal investigations have been looking into Adams’ inner circle, with some close aides under scrutiny by the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan. It remains unclear when Adams will surrender to authorities, as is common practice for white-collar defendants.
Adams' indictment raises serious concerns about his future in office and his chances of securing a second term. Political figures such as Brad Lander, the city comptroller, have called for Adams to step down, saying, "The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands."
Maya Wiley, who ran against Adams in the 2021 mayoral race, expressed her disappointment at the federal probe: "I can’t say how devastating I think it is where our city is today."
With New York City facing numerous challenges, Adams’ legal troubles are likely to become a significant issue as the city grapples with leadership uncertainties.