New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Federal agents arrived at Gracie Mansion on Thursday morning and confiscated the mayor’s phone, as confirmed by his attorney, Alex Spiro. Spiro noted that Adams has not been arrested and is eager for his day in court, expressing surprise at the number of agents used for the phone retrieval, stating they would have willingly handed it over.
In a speech to New Yorkers the day before, Adams vowed to contest what he called the “entirely false” indictment with “every ounce of my strength and spirit.” He acknowledged that standing firm for his constituents would make him a target, and now he finds himself in that position.
Adams is the first sitting mayor of New York City to face an indictment. The specific charges remain sealed, but sources indicate that the investigation began with campaign finance issues and has expanded to possibly include bid-rigging.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on the matter. Adams is not anticipated to appear in court until the following week.
Having been elected less than three years ago, Adams, a former police captain, has been under scrutiny due to federal investigations for nearly a year. Authorities are looking into potential corruption within City Hall, issuing subpoenas to Adams and several associated individuals.
Recently, Adams accepted the resignation of Edward Caban, his chosen police commissioner, after a subpoena was issued for his phones. Additionally, the mayor’s chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, resigned. This week, David Banks, the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, announced plans to retire at the year’s end after being instructed to turn over his phone to federal agents. Banks’ brothers, who hold significant positions in the city administration, also had their phones seized, along with Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor and Banks’ fiancée.
Since his election as the 110th mayor of New York City, Adams has maintained that he has always adhered to the rules and has been unaware of any wrongdoing within his administration. In a statement, he asserted his innocence, stating, “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
New York City’s comptroller, Brad Lander, who is campaigning for mayor in the upcoming election, expressed disappointment over the indictment. In a statement on social media, he emphasized the importance of trust in public institutions and urged Adams to resign to allow the city to regain stable leadership.
If Adams chooses to resign, the city’s Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, would serve as acting mayor, followed in succession by Lander. Earlier on Wednesday, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also called for Adams’ resignation, citing concerns over governance and the recent exodus of city officials, stating that ongoing investigations would hinder the ability to maintain a competent administration.