Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery, Campaign Finance Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals, and accept bribes; wire fraud; and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. These charges stem from a years-long federal corruption investigation into Adams’ actions dating back to 2014.

• The indictment alleges that Adams sought and accepted “improper” benefits from wealthy foreign businesspeople and a Turkish government official, including luxury international travel.
• During his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams allegedly accepted illegal campaign contributions and "other things of value" from foreign nationals.
• The indictment also accuses Adams of "providing favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits he received."

Federal Agents Seize Eric Adams’ Phone

On Thursday morning, FBI agents entered Adams’ residence in Manhattan’s Upper East Side and seized his cell phone.

• Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, claimed the seizure was a “spectacle” and that they would have “happily turned it in” to authorities.

Eric Adams Denies Allegations, Calls for Transparency

At a heated press conference, Adams denied the allegations in the indictment and called for transparency in the investigation.

• Adams stated that he has “done nothing wrong” and will defend himself against the charges.
• He added that he will continue to fight for New Yorkers as their mayor.

Eric Adams Accused of Accepting Over $100,000 in Luxury Travel Benefits

Federal investigators allege that Adams accepted more than $100,000 in luxury travel benefits, including several free business class flights and "opulent" accommodations in various countries for himself and a companion.

• Authorities allege that Adams created, and told others to create, fake paper trails to hide the free travel benefits he received.

Eric Adams Allegedly Intervened in Fire Department Inspection

The indictment says that Adams allegedly intervened in the New York City Fire Department’s inspection process for the Turkish official who had gifted him with free travel benefits.

• The building that would house a new Turkish consulate would have failed a fire department inspection, but Adams allegedly facilitated the building’s opening after the Turkish official told him “it was his turn to repay” the official.

Eric Adams Accused of Accepting Illegal Campaign Contributions

The indictment also alleges that Adams disguised illegal campaign contributions from foreign donors through “straw donors,” which hide the money’s true source.

• Adams also allegedly accepted campaign donations from corporations, violating New York City’s ban on corporate contributions.

Calls for Eric Adams’ Resignation Grow

Several New York City officials, including Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, have called for Adams to resign.

• Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) urged Adams to step down, saying she does “not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City” given the “flood of resignations” and “nonstop investigations.”
• Other Democratic members of Congress from New York, including Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez and Rep. John C. Liu, have since also called for his resignation.
• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that “no one is above the law, including the mayor of New York City.”
• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office but is reportedly unlikely to exercise it, said in a statement that she expects Adams to “take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders.”

Eric Adams Rejects Resignation Calls, Says He Will Continue to Govern

Adams has rejected calls to resign, stating that he will continue to govern the city.

• He has repeatedly defended his record, pointing to the city’s improvement despite the federal investigation.

Should Adams leave his post before his term ends in 2026, New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor, and a special election would be scheduled.