New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted following a federal corruption investigation, making him the first mayor in the city's history to face charges while in office.
Details of the Charges
According to a Sept. 25 report by The New York Times, the charges remain sealed, and it is unclear exactly what Adams is being accused of. He is expected to appear in court on Sept. 26, when the indictment will be revealed.
Eric Adams' Statement
Despite the serious allegations, Adams has proclaimed his innocence. In a statement to The New York Post, he said, 'If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.' He also added that he would not step down as mayor, even if charges were brought against him.
Background of the Case
The indictment follows a November 2023 FBI investigation into illegal donations Adams allegedly received from the Turkish government in 2021. Agents raided the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, and searched the mayor's devices. The investigation also examined whether Adams pressured city officials to approve a high-rise Turkish consulate despite safety concerns and whether he accepted luxurious flights on Turkish Airlines.
Adams, a long-time supporter of cryptocurrency, has been vocal about his pro-Bitcoin stance, taking his first paychecks in Bitcoin and Ether when he became mayor. However, his reputation now faces a significant challenge as the legal proceedings unfold.
Comments