New York City Mayor Eric Adams expected to face federal charges

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly facing potential federal charges from prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

Elected in 2021 and a former police captain and Brooklyn borough president, Adams could be charged as early as Thursday, making him the first sitting NYC mayor to face criminal prosecution.

Details regarding the specific charges or the nature of the investigation remain unclear. Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claimed no knowledge of any misconduct.

In a statement Wednesday night, Adams strongly asserted that the charges stem from falsehoods, reaffirming his commitment to fight them and emphasizing that he has no intention of resigning.

In a video statement from Gracie Mansion, New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his belief that the federal government plans to charge him with crimes, asserting that any charges would be entirely false and based on lies. "I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would become a target—and a target I have become," he stated. 

Adams highlighted the ongoing leaks and rumors aimed at undermining his credibility, referencing an FBI search of interim NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon's home shortly after he took office. "Enough. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and spirit," he declared, adding, "If I am charged, I know I am innocent."

He indicated his intention to request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers could hear the truth, and addressed calls for his resignation, stating he would continue to lead the city. "I understand the concerns of everyday New Yorkers, but I have faced these lies for months, and the city has continued to improve," he emphasized.

Both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the situation. Should Adams resign, the city's public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would take over and schedule a special election. Governor Kathy Hochul also has the authority to remove him from office; however, her office did not respond to requests for comment.

These potential charges come nearly a year after federal authorities began investigating Adams and his associates. On November 2, 2023, FBI agents searched the Brooklyn home of one of his top fundraisers, Brianna Suggs, in connection with campaign fundraising inquiries. While the specifics of the investigation were not clear, the search involved gathering records related to contributions and potential ties to Turkey. At that time, Adams claimed he had not been contacted by investigators. Suggs, who had worked closely with Adams since 2017, was involved in raising funds for his campaign and lobbying on behalf of corporate clients.

Just four days later, on November 6, FBI agents intercepted Mayor Eric Adams as he was leaving an event in Manhattan, seizing his cellphones and iPad.

Later that week, Adams stated he had no personal knowledge of any improper fundraising activities and felt he had nothing to fear from the investigation. At that time, neither he nor his fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, had been accused of any wrongdoing.

Agents also searched the home of Adams' liaison to the Turkish community in New York and a former Turkish airline executive. The inquiry focused on a period when Adams was still Brooklyn borough president but was widely expected to be elected mayor after winning the Democratic primary.

During that time, Turkish officials were attempting to expedite FDNY approval for a new diplomatic building that faced delays due to safety concerns. Federal prosecutors began investigating whether Adams' previous communications with the FDNY crossed any ethical lines when he inquired about fire safety and occupancy permits for the new high-rise, which was intended to house the Turkish consulate.

Sources indicated that Adams had texted then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro about when occupancy for the 35-story building could be expected, to which Nigro responded that it would be addressed the following Monday. Adams described his inquiry as a routine request.

Additionally, sources revealed that former FDNY Commissioner Nigro was questioned by the FBI as a witness at least twice, including on November 3.Two sources close to the investigation reported that FDNY safety officials approved a letter of occupancy for the new Turkish consulate, indicating an agreement on additional safety measures for building access. Fire chiefs informed FBI investigators in April 2023 that they felt pressured to quickly approve the consulate despite existing safety concerns, according to an attorney representing one of the chiefs.

Meanwhile, the FBI was already probing whether Turkish individuals made improper donations or engaged in bundling contributions for Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign.

Then-Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, who has since resigned, stated that there was no evidence suggesting that Adams was a target of the criminal investigation, asserting, "There has been no indication that I’ve seen that the mayor is a target."

In August, federal prosecutors issued subpoenas to Adams, his campaign, and City Hall, seeking information about the mayor’s schedule, overseas trips, and any ties to the Turkish government.

Adams has denied any wrongdoing, and his private attorneys claim they provided "extensive evidence undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution as to the mayor."