In 2021, Eric Adams ran for mayor and gained, turning into the one hundred and tenth mayor of New York Metropolis. His marketing campaign centered on crime discount, public security, and social fairness.
Now, federal prosecutors have indicted the NYC mayor following a corruption investigation, making the 64-year-old the primary mayor in metropolis historical past to be charged whereas in workplace.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would become a target – and a target I became,” Adams mentioned in a video assertion launched late Wednesday, asserting that he’ll stay in workplace regardless of the allegations. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Details concerning the particular fees Adams will face are nonetheless unclear, however prosecutors are anticipated to stipulate them on Thursday, in keeping with the New York Instances.
Because the state of affairs continues to unfold, right here’s extra concerning the mayor, together with his political affiliation and what the indictment means for him.
Is Mayor Adams a Democrat or Republican?
Adams is a member of the Democratic Party. Earlier than turning into mayor, he served as a New York State Senator and was the Brooklyn Borough President, each positions throughout the Democratic Party. His marketing campaign for mayor in 2021 emphasised progressive points, together with public security reforms, financial fairness, and social justice.
What Does Indictment Imply?
An indictment is a proper accusation that an individual has dedicated against the law. It’s sometimes issued by a grand jury, which evaluations proof offered by prosecutors to find out whether or not there’s sufficient trigger to cost the person with a felony offense. An indictment doesn’t indicate guilt; it merely means that there’s enough proof to deliver the case to trial.
Why Did the Investigation into Mayor Adams Begin?
The investigation has centered partly on potential overseas donations and whether or not Mayor Adams pressured Hearth Division officers to approve the opening of a brand new high-rise consulate constructing for the Turkish authorities, regardless of security issues. Investigators are additionally wanting into whether or not Adams accepted costly flights and upgrades from Turkish Airways, which is partially owned by the Turkish authorities. Moreover, they’re in search of details about a Brooklyn building firm run by Turkish People and a small college in Washington, D.C., with Turkish ties.
The investigation remained confidential till it was publicly revealed in late 2023, when FBI brokers carried out an early morning raid on the Brooklyn residence of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs.
Adams has beforehand been investigated by the division 4 occasions, together with for associations with people convicted of crimes, similar to Mike Tyson. He was investigated as a police officer for working safety for Tyson shortly after the boxer’s launch from jail for a rape conviction in 1995.
On Wednesday, Consultant Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said she might “not see how Mayor Adams can continue” in his position.
The town’s comptroller, Brad Lander, expressed in a press release on X that the fees in opposition to Adams mark “a sad day for New Yorkers,” including, “The hardworking people of New York City deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they don’t have it.” Lander, a Democrat, is operating to unseat Adams within the 2025 election.
Scott Stringer, the previous NYC comptroller and a Democratic candidate in subsequent 12 months’s mayoral main, mentioned, “There is simply zero chance that the wheels of government will move forward from this full steam ahead. Instead, we are left with a broken-down train wreck of a municipal government. The mayor needs to resign for the good of the city.”
Jessica Ramos, a progressive New York State senator from Queens, stopped in need of calling for Adams to step down however steered he has misplaced the flexibility to control. “Over the past two and a half years, this administration has made the city more expensive, while those close to the mayor have benefited financially,” she mentioned in a press release posted to X. “That’s a betrayal of every hardworking New Yorker.”
Whereas Adams isn’t required to resign and New York voters can’t recall the mayor, the New York Metropolis Constitution grants Governor Kathy Hochul the ability to take away him. As of late Wednesday, Hochul had not commented on the indictment however has the authority to droop Adams for as much as 30 days. She might then take away him after offering him with a duplicate of the fees and a chance to defend himself.
If Mayor Adams steps down or is unable to proceed in workplace, New York Metropolis’s Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will turn into the appearing mayor. A nonpartisan particular election would then be held to fill the place.
Williams didn’t name for the mayor to resign, however his workplace launched a press release emphasizing that the indictment is “incredibly serious.”
“As the facts emerge, the public advocate will have more to say to the people of New York City. Right now, he is focused on how best to ensure that New Yorkers can regain trust, confidence, and stability in city government,” the assertion mentioned.
Nonetheless, Williams lately instructed reporters that he doubts the mayor’s capability to navigate the federal investigations and that he’s ready to take over if obligatory. “That’s part of the job,” he mentioned. “Is it something that you want to happen? No.”