New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one federal charge, with investigators executing a search warrant at his residence Thursday morning. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams is expected to address the indictment at an 11:30 a.m. ET press conference.
On Thursday morning, the indictment against Adams was unsealed, revealing several serious charges. Adams faces accusations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. He is also charged with wire fraud, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, and bribery.
The indictment follows a months-long investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, which has reportedly scrutinized Adams' connections to Turkish officials and businessmen, as well as campaign donations he received. The New York Times first reported the indictment late Wednesday.
Adams has consistently denied wrongdoing, reiterating that he instructed his campaign and administration to follow the law. In a defiant video statement Wednesday night, Adams called the charges “entirely false, based on lies.”
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would be a target—and a target I became,” he said. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
The indictment marks a stunning fall for Adams, who took office in January 2022, promising a tough-on-crime approach and a commitment to revitalizing New York after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he has struggled to address key issues, including the city’s migrant crisis and subway safety. Criticism has mounted over his leadership, including concerns about his late-night lifestyle and budget priorities.
The federal charges now threaten his ability to stay in office, as well as his political future. With elections looming, the indictment could also impact close New York congressional races.
When news of the indictment broke Wednesday night, Adams was at Gracie Mansion, his official residence, though he had not been formally informed of the charges, according to CNN sources. Prosecutors have indicated that Adams will likely have several days to surrender voluntarily, and he is not expected to appear in court Thursday.
On Thursday morning, federal investigators spent over three hours executing a search warrant at Gracie Mansion. Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized the search as a “spectacle,” adding that Adams would have willingly handed over his phone without a raid. “He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court,” Spiro said.
Adams, asked earlier this week about resigning, said, “I’m stepping up, not stepping down.” Nonetheless, prominent political figures, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have already called for his resignation.
Last week, Adams' attorneys met with senior Justice Department officials in an attempt to prevent federal charges. Despite their efforts, prosecutors informed them that they would proceed with the indictment.
