New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national and conspiracy on Thursday, becoming the first sitting mayor in modern history to face federal criminal charges.
US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York unveiled a sprawling five-count indictment against Adams, accusing him of seeking and accepting “illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals.”
The charges stem from a months-long federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
Federal prosecutors are accusing Adams of accepting “illegal” campaign donations, funneled through a straw donor scheme, and accepting luxurious benefits in exchange for wielding his power to intervene in a fire inspection at the Turkey consulate.
Adams said he was “not surprised” by the charges and denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
He declared he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City, despite current and former lawmakers calling upon him to resign.
Key Points
- Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
- Adams refuses to step down amid federal criminal charges
- Everything you need to know about FBI probe in Eric Adams
- Agents searched mayor’s official residence Thursday morning
Businessman in alleged straw donor scheme benefitted from Adams
18:30
Ariana Baio
A wealthy businessman who reimbursed his employees to give Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign $10,000, personally benefitted from that when Adams agreed to get a stop-work order lifted for his construction company.
According to federal prosecutors, the businessman asked Adams to assist in getting the work order lifted in February 2023 saying, “I always supported you.”
A week after the businessman inquired, he texted Adams thanking him for his help in “partially” resolving the process.
Adams flew Turkish Airline even when it was ‘inconvenient’
18:15
Ariana Baio
The mayor of New York allegedly accepted multiple free business class tickets on Turkish Airline between 2016 and 2017 and as a result flew Turkish Airline, “even when doing so was otherwise inconvenient”.
Federal prosecutors say that during the summer of 2017, Adams’ then-partner was “surprised” to learn Adams was in Turkey when he was supposed to be going from New York to France.
“You know the first stop is always istanbul,” Adams wrote to his partner in a text message, according to prosecutors.
Who are the other people mentioned in the indictment?
17:50
Ariana Baio
There are several unnamed individuals in the federal indictment accused of assisting or participating in the straw donor scheme or the lavish travel benefits from a Turkey official.
The Turkish Official – the individual who allegedly “steered” illegal contributions and improper gifts to Adams.
The Promoter – the person who allegedly “arranged” straw contributions for both of Adams’ mayoral campaigns and favorable treatment in Turkey in 2017 and 2019.
The Businessman – the owner and chairman of a Turkish University who allegedly made illegal contributions to Adams’ 2021 campaign and sought to befriend Adams for his use.
The Adams Staffer – a volunteer at Brooklyn Borough Hall who served as a “Liasion to Eastern Europe Muslim Countries” and later became a City Hall staffer who allegedly “coordinated” illegal campaign contributions and improper travel benefits.
The Businesswoman – a weather Turkish businesswoman who allegedly gave Adams “multiple” free to discounted stays in a luxury hotel she owned. She also organized contributions to Adams’ 2021 campaign.
‘Your turn’: Turkish officials asked Adams to influence FDNY inspection
17:17
Ariana Baio
After allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits from Turkish nationals, the Turkish official accused of colluding with him, asked him for help circumventing a fire department inspection issue with the Turkey consulate in New York.
Federal prosecutors say in September 2021, the official said it was “his turn to repay” and help facilitate the opening of the 36-story Turkey consulate skyscraper.
The building, at the time, had failed a fire inspection.
But Adams allegedly “pressured” FDNY officials to get the building open. Those in charge of the building’s assessment were told they would lose their jobs if they did not comply.
In Photos: Eric Adams after being indicted on five federal counts
17:03
Ariana Baio
Mayor Eric Adams did not appear bothered by a five-count federal criminal indictment on Thursday morning as he stood before reporters to speak about the charges.
Adams denied all allegations of wrongdoing and urged New Yorkers to allow him a day in court before passing judgment.
US Attorney says Adams has a ‘long running’ history of corruption
16:46
Ariana Baio
US Attorney Damien Williams said in a press conference on Thursday that Adams has a “long-running” history of corruption and accepted lavish benefits from Turkish nationals and in turn intervened in a New York City Fire Department fire inspection for the Turkey consulate.
Williams said Adams “Sought and accepted well over $100,000 in luxury travel benefits” and did not disclose any of it.
As a result, those Turkish nationals were able to influence Adams – like allegedly using him to help get the Turkey consulate open even though it did not pass its fire inspection.
That includes luxury hotel rooms and travel benefits to various countries like Turkey, Ghana and Pakistan.
Watch: Eric Adams says he 'followed the law' after being charged with bribery and corruption
16:40
Ariana Baio
Adams’ press conference interrupted by protesters
16:21
Ariana Baio
Mayor Eric Adams smiled through an extremely chaotic press conference on Thursday morning and he and his allies tried to speak while protesters shouted at him and interrupted.
Protesters screamed “disgrace” and “resign” at Adams as he attempted to declare his innocence.
His allies, who spoke in defense of Adams, shouted into a microphone, asking the protesters to “shut up” and stop screaming at them.
Adams says he ‘expected’ charges
16:12
Ariana Baio
Mayor Eric Adams said he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City despite being indicted on five federal criminal charges on Wednesday evening.
In a press conference, Adams said “expected” the charges and was “not surprised.”
Adams allegedly accepted lavish benefits from Turkish government official
16:11
Ariana Baio
Mayor Eric Adams allegedly accepted luxurious benefits from at least one Turkish government official, federal prosecutors allege.
The mayor also allegedly accepted luxury travel benefits from wealthy foreigners and sought to conceal them.
Indictment accuses Adams of accepting ‘straw’ donor contributions
16:00
Ariana Baio
The federal indictment against Adams accuses him of accepting “straw” donations, or illegal campaign contributions.
Federal prosecutors allege nationals gave Adams contributions with money that was given to them by other foreign individuals.
“Adams increased his fundraising by accepting these concealed, illegal donations – at he costs of giving his secret patrons the undue influence over him that the law tries to prevent,” federal prosecutors said
Eric Adams charged with bribery, wire fraud and more
15:53
Ariana Baio
Eric Adams was charged with four federal crimes associated with his solicitation and acceptance of illegal campaign contributions.
In a federal indictment, unsealed on Thursday, prosecutors charged Adams with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bribery, and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national
The charges, stemming from an investigation into Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials
Watch live: Criminal charges against Eric Adams expected to be unsealed
15:50
Ariana Baio
Chuck Schumer declines to comment on indictment
15:20
Ariana Baio
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked to comment on the Eric Adams indictment.
Here’s what he didn’t have to say.
Approached Leader Schumer, asked if he had any reaction to the indictment of Eric Adams, he pulled out his phone, put it to his ear and said, “I’m talking to my doctor.”
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) September 26, 2024
Everything you need to know about FBI probe
15:00
Ariana Baio
Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one criminal charge by federal prosecutors, making him the first mayor of the city to be charged in office, according to reports.
Adams is under federal investigation over campaign fundraising violations and foreign influence, according to the New York Times, which first reported the indictment on Wednesday night.
Graeme Massie and Rhian Lubin report:
Press conference to be held at 11:30 am ET
14:57
Ariana Baio
US Attorneys in Manhattan announced there will be a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET to unveil “significant public corruption charges.”
Biden met with former NYC mayor on Wednesday evening
14:45
Ariana Baio
President Joe Bide met with former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday evening for a reception at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In his remarks, the president said: “He’s not the mayor right now, but he’s still the mayor.”
His comment was met with laughter from the audience.
Just hours later, it would be revealed that the current mayor, Eric Adams, was indicted.
Sources: Two of Adams’s campaign staff ‘named in the indictment'
14:20
Rhian Lubin
Two of Adams’s top campaign staff are expected to be named in the indictment against the New York City mayor, sources have told the New York Post.
Brianna Suggs, a key fundraiser during the mayor’s 2021 campaign, and his current director of Asian affairs, Winnie Greco, are expected to be named in the indictment, according to the newspaper, though it is not known whether they will be charged or just named.
The indictment is due to be unsealed later this morning, according to reports.
Investigators take Adams’ phone: lawyer
14:00
Ariana Baio
Hours after sweeping into Gracie Mansion, federal agents took Adams’ cell phone, his lawyer told the New York Times.
This is the second time in a year that federal authorities have seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of a wider investigation.
Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Adams, said in a statement: “Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again). He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court.”
He added: “They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in.”
In photos: FBI agents descend on Gracie Mansion
13:46
Ariana Baio
Adams was at the mayoral residence when news of the indictment broke
13:40
Rhian Lubin
Adams was at the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, when news of the indictment broke on Wednesday evening.
His former chief of staff, Frank Carone, was seen exiting the residence just before midnight where he told reporters Adams should “absolutely not” step down.
“Just like everybody else, innocent until proven guilty, he deserves his day in court and he’ll have it,” Carone said.
ICYMI: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls on Adams to resign
13:20
Rhian Lubin
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,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X.
Read more below.
Former mayoral candidate says ‘New Yorkers deserve better’
13:00
Rhian Lubin
Former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang responded to the news by saying: “New Yorkers deserve better.”
I am shocked at Eric Adams being indicted. Who could have foreseen this? New Yorkers deserve better. https://t.co/t5AWBnj9St
— Andrew Yang ⬆️ (@AndrewYang) September 26, 2024
Agents search official mayoral residence this morning
12:44
Rhian Lubin
Federal agents have swooped on Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence, first thing this morning.
The New York Times reports agents arrived at the property just before 6am to search Adams’s official home.
They reported SUVs outside the property, at least one of which had a federal law enforcement parking placard on the dashboard.
Agents carried briefcases and backpacks as they entered the premises.
RECAP: Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
12:20
Rhian Lubin
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was criminally indicted on Wednesday on federal charges, according to people familiar with the matter.
For months the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing.
In November 2023, federal agents seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance wrongdoings.
According to reports, Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021 mayoral campaign through his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
Ariana Baio has more:
Governor has the power to remove Adams from office
12:00
Rhian Lubin
Adams, who maintains his innocence, can still serve as mayor under federal indictment.
He can only be removed from office before his term is up by New York governor, Kathy Hochul. A source told the New York Post there is “no chance” she would, however.
The governor has been urged to distance herself from the embattled mayor.
William O’Reilly, a Republican strategist, told Spectrum News NY1: “I would tell the governor to begin airing her concern for what’s going on in New York.
“You have an administration that looks riddled with corruption, I mean riddled from the top down. And if the governor doesn’t get out ahead of it, she’s going to end up being behind the story and she’s gonna become part of the story.”
Hochul shared a message of unity when addressing the investigation on Wednesday. “Mayor Eric Adams was elected to represent the same 8.3 million New Yorkers. We have to work together,” she said. “People need us to pull together at this time and show that government is functioning.”
She added she would “continue to work with the mayor’s team” and she was “not walking away” from the responsibility of “improving the city of New York.”
The other candidates who want the job of America’s most high-profile mayor
11:40
Rhian Lubin
In the event of Adams’s resignation, Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, would call a special election.
The job of America’s most high-profile mayor is sought after by a number of candidates who are already running in next year’s election.
Williams would likely run alongside the four Democrats currently competing against Adams.
They are city comptroller Brad Lander, Queens state senator Jessie Ramos, former comptroller Scott Stringer, and Brooklyn state senator Zellnor Myrie.
Former governor Andrew Cuomo could also be making a comeback, according to reports, but he has not officially declared his candidacy.
Adams has maintained he is innocent and will fight the charges.
Who is Jumaane Williams?
11:20
Rhian Lubin
Adams has vowed to fight the charges against him but if he does resign, Jumaane Williams will step in to replace him as acting mayor.
He would be in charge of setting a date for a special election, which could happen by the end of this year.
Williams, the city’s public advocate, is a fierce critic of Adams and, by contrast, is a progressive Democrat.
He previously said of Adams: “I’m not sure how you continue to govern with, every day, more corrupt arrests, more corrupt suspicions.”
In particular, he has criticized the mayor’s “aggressive” policing strategy, including the city’s stop-and-frisk tactics.
Williams has also called for an end to solitary confinement in the city’s prisons.
When does Adams have to surrender?
11:00
Rhian Lubin
When news of the indictment broke on Wednesday night, Adams had not been officially informed, according to reports.
It is unclear whether he will appear in court today.
The mayor has several days to turn himself in, sources familiar with the investigation have told CNN.
His attorneys were reportedly previously informed he would be summoned to surrender at a future date if he was charged.
Watch: Eric Adams vows to fight federal charges
10:40
Rhian Lubin
How lawyers for Eric Adams met prosecutors to try to stop charges
10:20
Rhian Lubin
In a bid to stop the criminal charges against him, attorneys for Adams met with officials from the Justice Department last week, CNN reports.
Lawyers Boyd Johnson and Brendan MacGuire, for Adams, reportedly met with the US Attorneys office in Manhattan where they were told prosecutors were seeking an indictment of the mayor.
At the meeting, they were reportedly informed their appeal was denied by prosecutors in Washington.
The investigation is being conducted by the US Attorneys office. As Adams is a sitting politician, the Justice Department is involved in any decision to file charges against him.
Indictment coincides with week world leaders are in New York City for UN summit
10:00
Rhian Lubin
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.
City’s public advocate issues statement
09:40
Rhian Lubin
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.”
What to know as NYC mayor Eric Adams is indicted in FBI probe
09:20
Rhian Lubin
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.
Adams currently meeting with lawyers and chief of staff at Gracie Mansion
09:00
Michelle Del Rey
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.
.@NYCMayor currently meeting with lawyers and @frankvcarone at Gracie
— Courtney Gross (@courtneycgross) September 26, 2024
Mayor Adams claps back at AOC’s resignation call
08:30
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
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.”
Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio says he has two reactions on Adams’ indictment
08:00
Michelle Del Rey
“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.
Ocasio-Cortez says Mayor Adams should resign
07:40
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
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.”
I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 25, 2024
The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.
For the good of the city, he should resign.…
Mayor Adams denies ‘entirely false’ charges
07:20
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
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.
Federal agents seized mayor Adams’s electronic devices
07:00
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
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 City reveals one of Adams’ charges
07:00
Michelle Del Rey
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.
Governor Kathy Hochul issues statement on Adams’s indictment
06:40
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove mayor Eric Adams from office, has issued a statement following the Democrat’s indictment on criminal charges.
Avi Small, a spokesperson for the governor, said: “Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation.”
“It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.”
Who could replace Adams if he resigns?
06:23
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
New York City mayor Eric Adams’s indictment by a grand jury on federal criminal charges has sparked calls for the Democrat’s resignation.
The indictment marks a stunning turn for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city. It comes after weeks of searches, subpoenas and resignations of top officials that have pushed the city’s administration into a crisis.
Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office. If he were to resign, he would be replaced by the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election.
Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
06:00
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was criminally indicted on Wednesday on federal charges, according to people familiar with the matter.
For months the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing.
In November 2023, federal agents seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance wrongdoings.
According to reports, Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021 mayoral campaign through his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
Ariana Baio has more:
White House pool reporter says President Joe Biden, Adams together before indictment
04:38
Michelle Del Rey
According to a White House pool report written by a reporter at The Guardian, Biden and Adams were together shortly before the indictment was revealed.
The men met at a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby and Chef Jose Andres were there as well.
The City reports one of Adams charges
04:31
Michelle Del Rey
Sources tell the New York City outlet that Adams could be charged as an unregistered foreign agent for taking actions in his official capacity after receiving donations from foreign sources.
A dozen members who served in New York State Senate 2009 session will now have arrest records
03:55
Michelle Del Rey
Politico is reporting.
During that year’s session, senate republicans replaced Democrat Malcolm Smith as Majority Leader after two dissident Democrats switched sides, handing control to the Republicans. Adams served in the Senate from 2006 to 2013 representing Brooklyn.
Investigation into Adams’ office escalated earlier this month
03:34
Michelle Del Rey
Federal officials seized the phones from numerous city officials, including one of Adams’ top aides, the schools chancellor, David C Banks, and the police commissioner, Edward A Caban. Both Caban and Banks left their positions this month.
Mayor Adams responds
03:20
Michelle Del Rey
“I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became,” Adams has said. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Details to be announced on Thursday
03:10
Michelle Del Rey
Adams’ indictment remains sealed, so it’s not known what the charges against him are. Federal prosecutors, the FBI and the city’s Department of Investigation will announce the details on Thursday.
Charges may deal with Adams’ mayoral campaign
02:45
Michelle Del Rey
In November, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, the mayor’s chief fund-raiser, leaving with with two laptop computers, three iPhones and a manila folder labeled “Eric Adams,” The New York Times reported.
Until then, a federal probe focused partially on Adams’ mayoral campaign had been kept secret, the outlet reported. Suggs has not been charged with a crime.
A few days following the raid, FBI agents climbed into Adams’ SUV and took his electronic devices.
It’s not yet known what the charges against the mayor are. On Thursday, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the first member of Congress to call for Adams’ resignation.
New York City mayor Eric Adams indicted
02:26
Graeme Massie
This is a live blog covering the indictment of New York City mayor Eric Adams.