NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on criminal charges – Reports – DW – 09/26/2024

According to US media, New York Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with numerous counts in a federal court in Manhattan.

The indictment with the exact allegations remains under seal for the time being. According to media reports, Democrat Adams could appear in court as early as Thursday.

In a speech recorded at his office, Adams said he would remain in office and called any charges he may face “completely untrue and based on lies.”

Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be impeached while in office.

What did Eric Adams say?

“I always knew that if I stood up for all of you, I would be a target, and I have been,” Adams said. “I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

“If I am charged, I know I am innocent. I will demand a prompt trial so New Yorkers can know the truth,” Adams said.

The Adams administration had already been rocked by a series of high-ranking resignations in the wake of at least four federal investigations.

Before news of the charges broke, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also a Democrat, called on Adams to resign.

“I don’t see how Mayor Adams can continue to govern New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez, a New York congresswoman who represents parts of the city, said in a post on X.

The charges against Adams were brought after the FBI raided the Brooklyn home of his top fundraiser last November and in the wake of a series of resignations of senior city officials in recent weeks.

mfi/rm (AP, Reuters)