NYC Mayor Adams Indicted Refuses To Resign
A major political scandal has rocked New York City as a Manhattan grand jury has officially indicted Mayor Eric Adams on federal criminal charges. While the details of the charges remain under seal, multiple sources have confirmed to Fox News that the indictment could be unsealed as early as tomorrow, opening a new chapter of uncertainty for the already embattled mayor.
The FBI and Department of Justice have declined to comment on the specifics, and Adams’ legal team remains unclear at this point. However, Adams himself issued a defiant statement, positioning the indictment as an attack on his role as a staunch advocate for New Yorkers. “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 in a statement to the Associated Press. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
This indictment is the latest in a growing web of investigations circling Adams and his administration. Over the past year, federal raids have been conducted on multiple individuals closely tied to the mayor. In February, the FBI raided the home of one of Adams’ top aides, Winnie Greco, in the Bronx.
More recently, the homes of Cenk Ocal, a former Turkish Airlines executive and member of Adams’ transition team, and Brianna Suggs, Adams’ chief fundraiser, were also targeted. According to reports from the New York Times, another close aide, Rana Abbasova, flipped on Adams earlier this year in May after scrutiny intensified over his connections with Turkish Airlines.
Here is Adams stepping out of line.pic.twitter.com/xXGWbLho3A
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 26, 2024
These mounting investigations have eroded public trust in the mayor’s administration. New York State lawmakers have already voiced concerns, with some calling for Adams to step down. Gerard Kassar, Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, issued a blunt statement saying, “The mayor and his administration appear to be riddled with corruption, and the public has lost all confidence in their ability to move the five boroughs forward. Mr. Adams should do what’s best for this city and step aside so that a new election can be held.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy echoed these sentiments, describing Adams as just the latest in a series of New York Democrats tainted by scandal. “Another NY Democrat clouded in scandal. Time and again, they have proved they only care about their personal power and scoring political points, not what’s best for New York’s taxpayers,” Langworthy said. “It’s time for people to send a message that they aren’t going to take it anymore.”
Ed Cox, New York GOP Chair, linked Adams’ situation to the broader pattern of Democratic political scandals in the state. “We can add another name to the list of high-ranking Democrats in Albany and New York City tarnished by scandal, including Governors Andrew Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer, who both resigned in disgrace,” Cox stated. He also predicted that Adams may be forced to resign once the charges against him are revealed.
At the heart of this investigation are allegations that Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with the Turkish government and other entities to raise funds. Federal authorities have reportedly been investigating whether Adams’ campaign benefited from foreign donations in exchange for political favors, particularly in dealings with Turkish Airlines, where some of Adams’ key aides had significant ties.