NYC Mayor Indicted On Federal Charges In Corruption Probe [WATCH]

Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges linked to an ongoing investigation, sources confirmed to The New York Post.

The indictment, which marks the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced criminal charges, is expected to be unsealed Thursday by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.

Adams, who has been vocal about New York City’s migrant crisis, issued a defiant statement, claiming that he is being targeted by the federal government for speaking out about the issue. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

Patriotic beachwear for freedom lovers! Shop now and get 10% off with code RB10. Vet & LEO-founded.

The indictment is believed to be related to allegations that Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign received illegal donations from foreign entities, particularly the Turkish government, in exchange for political favors.

The accusations include charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent and accepting funds to secure approval for the construction of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.

According to sources, Adams is expected to surrender to authorities early next week, and additional individuals involved in the campaign may face charges as well.

Among them are Brianna Suggs, Adams’ top campaign fundraiser, and his Director of Asian Affairs, Winnie Greco.

Reports indicate that up to three others could also be named in the indictment, though their identities have not been confirmed.

Following the news, law enforcement set up barriers outside Gracie Mansion, Adams’ official residence, as reporters were pushed back from the property.

Around midnight, Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone, emerged from the mansion, telling reporters that Adams was “not at all” distracted by the legal proceedings.

The indictment follows a series of raids conducted by federal authorities in September, targeting officials within the Adams administration.

These raids, which centered on alleged corruption, sent City Hall into chaos for weeks.

The investigation has grown to include communications between the Adams administration, the Turkish government, and several other foreign countries.

BREAKING: New York City mayor Eric Adams issues a statement, says he is being targeted for standing his ground to protect the citizens of New York.

“My fellow New Yorkers. It is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes.”

“If so, these… pic.twitter.com/XyfPMW1nIe

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 26, 2024

Adams’ 2021 campaign has already faced scrutiny over donations linked to Turkish interests.

In July, federal prosecutors subpoenaed City Hall for records relating to Adams’ communications with Turkey, Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

These subpoenas demanded access to text messages, documents, and other materials connected to interactions between Adams and foreign governments.

The probe gained national attention after a November raid on Suggs’ Brooklyn home, which sought evidence of straw donor kickbacks from Turkish officials and a construction firm, KSK Construction Group, into Adams’ campaign.

Adams had to cut short a high-profile White House meeting on the migrant crisis to deal with the fallout.

The scandal expanded in subsequent months, with the FBI raiding the homes of other key figures, including City Hall staffer Rana Abbasova and Cenk Ocal, a former Turkish Airlines executive who was involved in Adams’ transition team.

Adams himself had his phones and iPad seized by FBI agents in a November raid in Manhattan.

Despite the mounting legal troubles, Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing. “It takes a great deal of discipline to not say something when you know you’ve done nothing wrong,” Adams said in August regarding the investigation into his campaign.

This indictment is the first time a New York City mayor has been charged in nearly 170 years. Previous mayors, such as David Dinkins and Bill de Blasio, faced corruption investigations during their terms, but none resulted in charges.

Former Mayor Jimmy Walker resigned in 1932 while under investigation, but he, too, was never charged.

Adams’ indictment adds to the growing list of federal probes into his administration.

Although no other charges have been filed, these investigations, conducted by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, are expected to continue, with further details likely to emerge in the coming weeks.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.