NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges, becoming the first mayor in the city’s history to do so.
The charges, which include campaign finance violations, bribery and conspiracy, allege the mayor took illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. At The indictment was unsealed Friday morningand the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York are expected to discuss further details at 11:30 a.m.
The indictment comes from several investigations swirling around the mayor and members of the administrationincluded extended probe to him deals with some foreign governments.
Adams responded with a video message taped Wednesday nightsaid in part, “My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government is going to charge me with a crime. If so, these charges will be completely false, based on lies, but they will not be surprised. I always know that if I stand up for you all , I will be the target, and I have been the target for months, leaks and rumors have been aimed at damaging my credibility and painting me as guilty.
Sources said the mayor could appear in court to face the charges as soon as Thursday.
“Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an attempt to make a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams’ phone (again). He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court,” Attorney Adams’ Alex Spiro said in. statement on Friday morning. “They sent a dozen agents to pick up the phone while we were having fun.”
Watch live coverage of the developments on CBS News New York in the video player above.
Calls are growing for Adams to resign
Since news of the indictment broke, it’s been there landslide calls for the mayor to resign. Many voices came from members of their own political partiesincluding those planning to run against him in next year’s Democratic primary.
Brad Lander, current city supervisor who is running for mayorsaid in part that Adams deserves due process, “But it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges requires a significant amount of time and attention… The most appropriate path forward for him to withdraw.”
Several New York City council members, including Robert Holden, Tiffany Caban and Sandy Nurse, released similar statements, expressing doubt that Adams could still run the city. Tiffany Caban, who asked the mayor to resign a week ago, wrote, “he cannot lead and govern effectively. While he is waiting for his right to process, he must resign.”
Earlier this week, Adams was asked if he would resign. They rejected the idea outright and said he was looking forward to running for re-election.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul did not have the ability to remove Adams from office. CBS News New York Political Correspondent Marcia Kramer said there will be pressure on the governor, as the mayor has many positions to fill due to resignations, and it may be difficult to fill the situation.
A spokesman for the governor said Wednesday night he was aware of the report and was monitoring the situation, though it would be “premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.”
If Adams resigns or is removed by the governor, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will take over temporarily. They have three days to call a special election, which must be held within 80 days.
What did Eric Adams do? Here’s what investigators are looking into
Federal authorities have examine donations to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign of the person connected to the Turkish government. The source said a A new round of subpoenas was sent to Adams’ attorney in July find information related to Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.
Apart federal investigation included former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, who began to retreatas well as Vice Mayor Philip Banks III, his cousin Chancellor David Banks Schooland David’s partner, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.
Chancellor of the school announced earlier this week that he would retire at the end of the year, but he insisted on telling Adams about his retirement before the investigation.
Banks and Adams appeared together Wednesday for announced the school’s new chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos.
Here’s a closer look at what we know about who is involved in the various investigations.
Marcia Kramer contributed to this report.
Natalie Duddridge
