New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Criminal Charges
Indictment Follows Tumultuous Month at City Hall
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges, sources told PIX11 News. The charges against Adams are still sealed.
Adams Denies Any Wrongdoing
In a statement released Wednesday night, Adams said, "I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
Investigation into Adams’ Campaign Fundraising
The indictment follows a month-long investigation into Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign fundraising. FBI agents searched the home of Brianna Suggs, a fundraiser for Adams during his 2021 campaign, and Rana Abbasova, who worked in the mayor’s international affairs office. Four days later, FBI agents seized phones and an iPad from Adams as he was leaving a public event in Manhattan.
Charges Allegedly Related to Illegal Campaign Contributions
A search warrant indicated that authorities have been examining whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors, according to The New York Times.
Investigation’s Scope Expands
The investigation’s scope has since grown, with federal investigators requesting information about Adams’ dealings with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, according to The New York Times.
Adams’ Inner Circle Under Scrutiny
Recently, federal investigators have taken aim at Adams’ inner circle. The FBI raided the home of now-resigned New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, which he shares with Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, according to sources. Philip Banks, the deputy mayor of public safety and brother of the school’s chancellor, also had his home raided, sources said.
Calls for Adams to Resign
As the investigation continues, calls for Adams to resign have mounted. However, Adams has maintained he has no intention of stepping down, saying, "I’m stepping up, not stepping down. I have a city to run that I will continue to run."
Conclusion
The indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his campaign fundraising practices. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what charges Adams will face and whether he will ultimately resign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Eric Adams?
A: The charges against Adams are still sealed and have not been publicly disclosed.
Q: What is the investigation into Adams’ campaign fundraising about?
A: The investigation is examining whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors.
Q: Has Adams been accused of any wrongdoing?
A: Adams has denied any wrongdoing and maintains he is innocent.
Q: Will Adams resign if indicted?
A: Adams has said he has no intention of resigning and will continue to run the city.
