Kaylah Walton
New developments have emerged regarding New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has reportedly been indicted by a grand jury on federal charges. This unprecedented event comes after weeks filled with official searches, subpoenas, and the resignations of prominent figures within the city’s administration, creating a tense political climate.
The specifics of the indictment against Adams, a Democrat, are set to be revealed on Thursday, although the sources providing this information requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan has chosen not to provide any comments regarding the situation.
In a recorded address from his residence, Adams pledged to continue serving as mayor, categorically rejecting the charges against him, claiming they are “completely untrue and based on falsehoods.”
He expressed, “As I stood firm for all of you, I became a target – and indeed, I have become one. I will combat these injustices with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Details regarding the specific laws allegedly violated by Adams or his court appearance timeline remain unclear.
Federal agents seized Adams’ electronic devices close to a year ago while examining, in part, campaign campaign contributions tied to his dealings with the Turkish government. The sealed nature of the charges leaves open the possibility they relate to these matters.
The New York Times was the first to break the news about the indictment.
This incident marks a dramatic shift for Adams, a former police captain who was elected nearly three years ago as the city’s second Black mayor, focusing on his working-class background and dedication to public safety. While he has prioritized crime reduction during his tenure, Adams is now embroiled in multiple federal inquiries targeting both his senior staff and his campaign.
In recent weeks, key figures he appointed to lead the city’s large police force and school system have stepped down, exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
No mayor in New York City’s history has faced an indictment while in office. If Adams resigns, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would succeed him and arrange a special election.
Governor Kathy Hochul could potentially remove Adams, and her spokesperson Avi Small stated that “Governor Hochul is aware of these troubling reports and is observing the situation. Further commentary would be inappropriate until law enforcement provides confirmation.”
The indictment coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, drawing numerous world leaders to New York, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The inquiries into Adams’ administration began to surface publicly on November 2, 2023, when the FBI raided the Brooklyn home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs.
At the time, Adams maintained his compliance with the law and expressed surprise if any campaign staff had acted unlawfully. Shortly after, federal agents confiscated his phones and iPad as he attended a Manhattan event.
On September 4, agents expanded their investigation by removing electronic devices from various senior officials closely affiliated with Adams.
While federal prosecutors have withheld details about the ongoing investigations, sources reveal multiple inquiries are scrutinizing his aides, their relatives, and potential unlawful fundraising tactics.
Following the searches, the police commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned, with the schools chancellor David Banks announcing his retirement soon after.
Despite the investigations, Adams has vowed to maintain the city’s operations and allow the processes to unfold.
This summer, the federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, prompting requests for documentation concerning his travel, mayoral itinerary, and any ties with the Turkish government.
Having previously served as a police officer, Adams transitioned into politics as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president before becoming mayor in November 2021, a victory he associates with divine intervention.
However, Adams’ approval ratings have taken a hit after over two years in office. Despite job growth and some crime reductions in the city, the influx of migrants has stressed shelter resources.
Continuous allegations and scrutiny surrounding his associates have also persisted.
Besides the ongoing inquiries led by Manhattan prosecutors, another investigation in Brooklyn involves Adams’ close aide Winnie Greco, who garnered substantial campaign donations from the city’s Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs. Greco has refrained from commenting on the FBI’s actions concerning her properties and continues to serve in her position.
In the early September seizures involving Caban, agents also contacted his twin brother, James Caban, who runs a nightlife consultancy.
The investigation extended to the school chancellor and his brothers, including Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is in a relationship with David Banks.
All deny any wrongdoing
As these investigations proceeded, federal search warrants were executed at the home of interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, for items unrelated to his current role. Donlan confirmed the search involved materials he possessed for two decades.
In his speech, Adams suggested these actions exemplified federal overreach.
As the indictment was announced, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the first prominent Democrat to call for Adams to resign, a request he met with disdain, characterizing her as self-righteous.
Anticipating a challenging primary, Adams faced renewed calls for his resignation following the indictment announcement, including from various declared or expected Democratic challengers in the upcoming mayoral race.
City Comptroller Brad Lander described the indictment as “a sad day for New Yorkers,” while State Senator Zellnor Myrie expressed disappointment, especially among Black New Yorkers who had supported Adams.
Former city comptroller Scott Stringer labeled the situation as leaving New York City with a “disastrous municipal government,” an assertion echoed by City Council Republicans, including Joe Borelli, who stated he would reserve judgment pending his review of the charges.
