New York Mayor Eric Adams is anticipated to face federal charges from the Southern District of New York as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Reports indicate that he has been indicted, although the details of the indictment remain sealed.
Spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in the Southern District of New York have declined to provide comment regarding the charges.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Adams asserted his innocence, stating, “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
The Adams administration has already faced challenges due to several high-level resignations amid ongoing federal investigations. Adams, 64, who previously served as a NYPD captain and Brooklyn borough president, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
One key investigation is reportedly examining whether Adams’ campaign colluded with the Turkish government to secure illegal campaign contributions from foreign entities. Last year, the FBI conducted a search at the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser as part of this inquiry.
Additionally, federal authorities are investigating whether Adams improperly influenced the city’s fire commissioner to approve a building for the Turkish Consulate despite existing safety concerns. This interaction occurred shortly after Adams won the Democratic mayoral primary in 2021 when he contacted then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to facilitate the use of the building, which had not yet been cleared for occupancy by the fire department.
FBI agents have confiscated Adams’ phones and have interviewed Nigro as a witness multiple times. This month, investigators also searched the homes of several top officials connected to Adams and seized their phones, including that of Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who resigned on September 12.
The investigation has also delved into James Caban, Edward’s twin brother, who is a former police officer and nightclub security business owner. Authorities are examining whether James Caban acted as a liaison for bars and clubs in Manhattan and Queens, potentially receiving payments and special treatment from local precincts.
In addition to the ongoing inquiries, the Adams administration is now facing a public corruption investigation and another federal probe that recently involved searching the home of Adams’ former director of Asian affairs.
On the day the news of possible federal charges emerged, Adams was present at a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art alongside President Joe Biden and also appeared on local television to answer questions from viewers.
Political analyst Douglas Muzzio noted that the expected indictment places the city government in a precarious position, questioning leadership and direction amid numerous resignations.
Calls for Adams to resign have intensified, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stating on social media, “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” citing the effect of ongoing investigations on the city’s functionality. Similarly, City Comptroller Brad Lander echoed this sentiment, recognizing Adams deserves due process but stressing that defending against serious federal charges could hinder his ability to effectively govern.
In a video statement released late Wednesday, Adams rejected calls for resignation, asserting the potential charges would be “entirely false, based on lies,” and reaffirmed his commitment to leading the city: “Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.”