New York City Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to fight back after he was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on federal criminal charges Wednesday evening.
The Justice Department and FBI have declined to comment on the indictment, which is currently sealed, though is expected to be unsealed as early as Thursday morning.
“My fellow New Yorkers. It is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes," Adams said in a statement following the indictment. “If so, these charges would be entirely false based on lies, but they would not be surprising.”
Adams said he believed he would eventually become a target for standing his ground.
"I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became," Adams said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
The FBI is investigating Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign for potential conspiracy with the Turkish government and other entities, Fox News reports. BREAKING: New York City mayor Eric Adams issues a statement, says he is being targeted for standing his ground to protect the citizens of New York.
“My fellow New Yorkers. It is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes.”
“If so, these… pic.twitter.com/XyfPMW1nIe
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 26, 2024
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said Adams' administration appears to have been "riddled with corruption."
"The public has lost all confidence in their ability to move the five boroughs forward," Kassar said. "Mr. Adams should do what's best for this city and step aside so that a new election can be held. His situation is untenable."
Fellow conservative and New York Congressman Nick Langworthy said Adams was the latest New York Democrat "clouded in scandal."
"Time and again, they have proved they only care about their personal power and scoring political points, not what’s best for New York’s taxpayers. It’s time for people to send a message that they aren’t going to take it anymore," Langworthy said.
Fellow New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, also commented on Adams' indictment.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” she wrote. "The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration." I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.
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.…
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 25, 2024
"For the good of the city, he should resign," she added.
Earlier this month, the FBI raided and seized electronic devices from the homes of Philip Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety; Sheena Wright, First Deputy Mayor; and conducted a search at the residence of Timothy Pearson, a former New York Police Department (NYPD) official who currently advises on public safety.
