New York mayor, Eric Adams has been charged following an extensive investigation, with prosecutors accusing him of wire fraud, accepting illegal foreign campaign contributions, and participating in a bribery conspiracy.
Despite growing calls for his resignation, Adams remains firm, stating he is “looking forward to defending myself.”
The 64-year-old mayor, accompanied by aides, arrived at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Friday, where he gave a thumbs-up to reporters but did not issue any statements.
On Thursday, US District Attorney Damian Williams outlined the charges, claiming the mayor had been “secretly receiving” gifts over several years. Williams emphasized that the alleged actions represent “a serious violation of public trust,” citing the foreign and corporate money involved, along with the extended cover-up.
The 57-page indictment accuses Adams of engaging in criminal activity for over a decade, beginning during his tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president. According to prosecutors, he accepted luxury international flights, stays in high-end hotels, and extravagant meals, including some from a Turkish government official, in exchange for political favors.
In one case, Adams is alleged to have pressured the city’s fire department into approving Turkey’s new high-rise consulate in Manhattan, despite concerns about building safety.
The scandal has surrounded Adams for months, with several close associates either resigning or being indicted, and federal agents conducting raids on their offices.
Adams, the second Black mayor in New York City’s history, initially gained popularity after winning the 2021 Democratic primary on a platform promising to reduce crime.
Although crime rates have declined following the pandemic-era surge, the city is still grappling with a housing crisis and skyrocketing rents. Adams is due for reelection next year.
