New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, marking a stunning fall for the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city. The indictment details the charges against Adams, a Democrat, but remains sealed. Adams maintains his innocence and vows to fight the charges.
The federal investigations into Adams’ administration have been ongoing, with multiple aides and top officials facing legal peril. Several high-ranking officials have resigned or faced charges, with accusations of influence peddling and illegal fundraising swirling around the mayor.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on Adams to resign, citing the investigations and unexpected departures of top city officials. Despite the legal troubles, Adams has vowed to remain in office and continue governing.
If Adams were to resign, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would replace him, followed by a special election. Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office, but has not yet commented on the situation.
Adams, a former police captain, was elected mayor in 2021 on a platform of law and order to combat crime in the city. However, his popularity has declined over the past two years as the administration has been embroiled in legal issues and controversies.
The federal investigations into Adams’ administration involve multiple inquiries into campaign fundraising, potential connections to the Turkish government, and influence peddling within the police and fire departments. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Adams has continued to maintain his innocence and vowed to continue serving as mayor.
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