Eric Adams hit with five federal corruption charges in 57-page indictment: Live updates

It is unclear what the specific charge or charges Adams faces, but the indictment could be unsealed later today.

The federal investigation centers on whether Adams and his campaign conspired with the Turkish government over illegal donations from overseas, according to the New York Times.

The indictment coincides with when world leaders are gathering in New York City at the United Nations General Assembly.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was in the city earlier this week for the summit and has already departed, according to reports.

If Adams resigns, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, will step in and take over as mayor.

A statement from William Gerlich, a spokesman for Williams, was released late last night.

It said: “The news of this indictment is itself incredibly serious. As the facts emerge, the Public Advocate will have more to say to the people of New York City and right now, he is focused on how best to ensure that New Yorkers can regain trust, confidence and stability in city government.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one criminal charge by federal prosecutors, according to a report.

What charges does he face?

Adams was criminally indicted on Wednesday on federal charges, according to people familiar with the matter.

It is unclear at this time what the charges could be, the indictment is under seal at this time, the New York Times reported. However, Adams has been facing numerous federal investigations.

It is not clear if Adams will surrender voluntarily or if he will be arrested. Prosecutors are likely to unseal the charges against him today when he could also appear in court.

Graeme Massie reports.

It’s expected that Adams will turn himself into the police though it’s not clear when. NY1 Now is reporting the meeting between Adams, his counsel and chief of staff.

Eric Adams has hit back at congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she pressed the New York City mayor to resign amid a corruption probe.

Adams, a Democrat, has been criminally indicted on federal charges, according to people familiar with the matter.

Adams has denied what he called “entirely false” charges.“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a post on X.

“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.”

Adams responded by saying: “For anyone who self-righteously claims people charged with serious crimes should not be in jail to now say that the second Black mayor of New York should resign because of rumors and innuendo — without even a single charge being filed — is the height of hypocrisy.”

“I am leading this city to protect it from exactly that kind of phony politics. The people of this city elected me to fight for them, and I will stay and fight no matter what.”

“One is, of course, shock and concern for our city. And then another is a very strong reminder that innocent until proven guilty is the American way,” he said.

“I went through an experience with a Southern District where I saw a lot of things that did not come true despite allegations. I do think we have to be really careful here. We haven’t seen anything specific.”

In 2021, the Department of Investigation accused de Blasio of misusing NYPD resources for “political purposes” during his failed presidential bid. He was ultimately charged with a $475,000 fine.

Member of congress Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on New York City mayor Eric Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so amid escalating federal criminal investigations into the mayor’s administration.

Her calls for his resignation came hours before it was revealed that Adams had been criminally indicted on federal charges.

“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ms Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X.

“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration,” she added.

“For the good of the city, he should resign.”

New York City mayor Eric Adams said he would remain in office and described any charges he may face as “entirely false, based on lies”.

“I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target – and a target I became,” he said.

“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.”

It was not immediately clear what laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he might have to appear in court.

In November 2023, federal agents seized New York City mayor Eric Adams’ electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance wrongdoings.

Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021 mayoral campaign through his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals, according to reports.

The New York City mayor has been vocal about his longstanding relationship with Turkey and the Turkish-American community of New York. He previously boasted that he’s made at least six trips to Turkey.

Reports circulated that Adams received campaign donations from employees of a Brooklyn-based construction company owned by a Turkish-American businessman.

The mayor will be facing a charge of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for taking actions in his official capacity after receiving donations from foreign sources. More details will be released on Thursday.