New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicted by grand jury in corruption probe, says won't resign

New York City (NYC) Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges after a corruption investigation, according to a report in the NY Post.  Although the indictment is sealed and it is unclear what exact charges he will face, it is the first time that a sitting NYC mayor has been indicted in 170 years. 

Reports state that the indictment relates to the allegations of the Turkish government illegally funnelling money unto his mayoral campaign in exchange for approval of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. 

The law enforcement agencies are also seeking information about Adam's interaction with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Adams has denied wrongdoing and said he had been made a target for standing his ground. He also vowed not to resign as the charges were "based on lies".

“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams was quoted as saying by the Post after the indictment. 

“If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” 

The largest US city has been under a tumultuous period administration-wise for the last month. After the FBI agents seized Police Commissioner Edward Caban's phone, he resigned a week later on September 12. Adams' chief legal adviser also resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position.

Reports suggest that the indictment could be unsealed on Thursday (Sep 26) by US Attorney Damian Williams with Adams expected to surrender to authorities early next week. 

Adams appears to be losing favour amongst his party colleagues as well with US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for his resignation. 

“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City," AOC wrote on X. 

“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”

The bombshell indictment puts Adams' re-election campaign in a tizzy. Adams, who took as the 110th mayor of NYC three years ago on promise to rein in crime has been unable to deal with the migrant problem. His indictment might be the final nail in his political career as the NYC leader, experts argue.