New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reportedly been indicted by a grand jury following a federal corruption investigation.
New York Times reported on Wednesday night that Adams became the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face criminal charges. The nature of the charges is unclear, as the indictment remains sealed, and further details are expected Thursday.
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I was,” Adams said in a statement. “If I am accused, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
In July, a federal subpoena was issued seeking information from Adams, his campaign and City Hall. It came eight months later FBI agents confiscated the mayor’s phones and iPad as he left an event in Manhattan.
Spencer Platt
A number of top figures in the Adams administration have also been targeted in federal corruption probes, with agents confiscating the phones of the mayor’s school chancellor, two deputy mayors and a senior adviser overseeing migrant protection contracts this month.
Phones were also seized from Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who said he resigned from his position on September 12 “for the good of this city” and the New York Police Department.
While Adams has recently said he has no intention of resigning, a special election to replace him would be scheduled if he changes his mind. In the meantime, Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, would temporarily take his place as acting mayor.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.