New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury amid a federal corruption probe, marking a historic moment as he is the first sitting mayor to face such charges.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that while the specifics of the indictment remain sealed, more details are anticipated soon.
“I always knew standing up for New Yorkers would make me a target—and now I am one,” Adams stated. “If I am charged, I maintain my innocence and will fight with all I’ve got.”
Prior to the indictment news, Adams attended an event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art alongside President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, among others.
In July, federal authorities issued a subpoena for information related to Adams, his campaign, and City Hall, following previous confiscation of his devices by the FBI.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed “shock and concern for our city” following the indictment, reminding the public of the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
Several top officials from Adams’ administration are also under scrutiny, with federal agents seizing phones from various key personnel, including the Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who stepped down recently “for the good of this city.”
Calls for Adams to resign have intensified, with figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stating he should step down for the city’s welfare, highlighting the dysfunction caused by ongoing investigations.
Local lawmakers echoed these sentiments, declaring that Adams has eroded the trust of New Yorkers who elected him. “Our city deserves a leader we can trust, not someone mired in scandals,” they stated.
Though Adams has expressed no intentions to resign, should he decide otherwise, a special election would be planned, with Jumaane Williams serving as acting mayor in the interim.
Update 09/25/24, 10:41 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.