New York Mayor Eric Adams is likely to face federal charges coming from prosecutors in the Southern District of New York as early as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Earlier reports indicated that Adams has already been indicted, although the indictment remains sealed.
Details regarding the specific charges have not yet been disclosed. Representatives from both the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York have refrained from commenting on the matter.
In a statement made late Wednesday, Adams expressed his awareness of being targeted for standing firm on issues important to New Yorkers. He stated, “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” The Adams administration is already under pressure due to a number of high-profile resignations amid multiple federal investigations.
Adams, 64, who previously served as an NYPD captain and Brooklyn’s borough president, has continually denied any allegations of misconduct. One investigation is reportedly examining whether there was any collusion between Adams’ mayoral campaign and the Turkish government for illegal campaign contributions from abroad. In connection with this inquiry, the FBI searched a Brooklyn residence owned by Adams’ chief fundraiser last year.
Federal investigators are also exploring claims that Adams influenced the city’s fire commissioner to approve a controversial building intended for the Turkish Consulate, despite existing safety concerns. After winning the Democratic primary for mayor in 2021, Adams allegedly reached out to former Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to advocate for the Turkish government’s request regarding the building, which had not yet been opened due to safety approval issues from fire department officials.
As part of the investigation, Adams’ phones were confiscated, and the FBI has interviewed Nigro at least twice. There have also been recent searches of homes and confiscations of devices belonging to several senior officials in close proximity to Adams, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who resigned on September 12.
Additionally, authorities seized the phone of Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, who is involved in nightclub security. The investigation is looking into whether midtown and Queens clubs compensated James Caban to act as a liaison to the police, receiving preferential treatment in return.
The Adams administration is also subject to a public corruption investigation and another federal inquiry that involved searches at the home of Adams’ former director of Asian affairs.
Before news of the impending charges broke, Adams attended a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where President Joe Biden was also present. He also participated in a live television segment addressing questions from New Yorkers.
The anticipated indictment poses a challenging scenario for the city’s administration, according to Douglas Muzzio, a retired political science professor at Baruch College. He expressed concerns regarding leadership stability and the clarity of policy direction in light of multiple resignations.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, called for Adams to resign, stating that the ongoing investigations and numerous vacancies jeopardize effective government function. City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running for mayor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the mayor’s focus on legal issues would detract from the responsibilities of governing.
In a video statement released late on Wednesday, Adams pushed back against calls for his resignation, asserting that any potential charges against him would be “entirely false, based on lies.” He concluded by reinforcing his commitment to lead the city, stating, “Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.”