It appears that Mayor Eric Adams of New York City is facing federal criminal charges, according to a report by JuicyBleast News. Adams, who assumed office nearly three years ago with a primary agenda of crime reduction, along with several high-ranking officials in his administration, is under increasing scrutiny in various federal corruption investigations. While the specifics of the indictment remain undisclosed, this development would make Adams, at 64, the first mayor in the city’s history to confront such charges while serving in office.
Late on Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams released a video statement expressing his determination to fight the charges and remain in office. He asked New Yorkers for their “prayers and patience” during this challenging time. In the video, he declared, “I will fight these injustices with all my might and soul,” asserting his innocence and vowing to seek a “prompt trial for New Yorkers to uncover the truth.”
Adams is also grappling with mounting demands for his resignation. “If I am charged, many might argue that I should step down because they believe I cannot manage the city while defending myself against these allegations. “I understand that regular New Yorkers might worry about my ability to perform my duties while facing such accusations, but I have been dealing with these falsehoods for months.” Federal prosecutors are expected to unveil the indictment on Thursday, and Adams is scheduled to appear in court for his initial hearing, according to JuicyBleast Report.
The charges have emerged just under a year after federal agents seized Adams’ electronic devices and raided the home of Brianna Suggs, his chief fundraiser. Subsequently, it was revealed that the US attorney’s office in Manhattan was investigating whether Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign team collaborated with the Turkish government to funnel illegal donations into the campaign.
The New York Times reported on Monday that prosecutors requested information related to five additional countries – Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan – from Adams’ campaign and the mayor’s office. Despite growing calls for his resignation, Adams has resolutely decided to stay in office. Earlier on Wednesday, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a significant figure in progressive New York politics, joined the chorus of voices calling for his resignation.
“I don’t see how Mayor Adams can effectively lead New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. “For the sake of the city, he should step down.” Ocasio-Cortez highlighted a recent wave of resignations and vacancies that she believes are undermining the city government’s functionality.
