Mayor Eric Adams Has Been Indicted: Here’s What That Means For NYC
NYC Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on five federal charges of bribery conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations on the evening of Wednesday, September 25th. The 57-page indictment was unsealed on Thursday, September 26th.
This news comes on the heels of the federal investigation that the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan has been conducting for the last several months. Its focus, according to The New York Times, was to uncover whether he conspired with the Turkish government for illegal foreign campaign contributions, and whether or not Adams took actions on its behalf.
Despite the document’s contents — some of which states that the Mayor received “free rooms at opulent hotels, free meals at high-end restaurants and free luxurious entertainment while in Turkey”, among other accusations — he plans to combat these accusations.
“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of strength and spirit,” he said on September 25th. “If I’m charged, I know I’m innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth.”
NYC Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted: What’s next for NYC?
During a press conference on Thursday, September 26th, Mayor Adams acknowledged that he knew this “unfortunate” and “painful” day would come, but seemingly does not plan to resign, despite calls from the Democratic party for him to do so.
“I ask New Yorkers to hear our defense before making any judgments,” he said.
Additionally, he noted, “From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. My day to day will not change.” City workers’ day-to-day will not change, either, per his statement.
On Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that he will appear in federal court Friday, September 27th at noon. If convicted on all counts, he faces the possibility of up to 45 years in prison, per CBS.
“While the mayor is presumed innocent until proven guilty and deserves due process, the board will nonetheless review all relevant information, including but not limited to the indictment, in order to uphold our city’s campaign finance rules and protect taxpayer dollars,” said Frederick Schaffer of NYC’s Campaign Finance Board, according to The New York Times.
What does this mean for New York? Only two mayors in the city’s history have resigned: James Walker in 1932 and William O’Dwyer in 1950, per CBS. Should he resign or be forced to leave office, the next in line to take the spot would be as follows, per The New York City Charter:
- Public Advocate (Jumaane Williams)
- Comptroller (Brad Lander)
This is a developing story. Please check back as more information is revealed.
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