NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty as he faces 45 years in prison on corruption charges
New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal charges of bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national, and conspiracy.
Adams entered his plea at Manhattan federal court on Friday afternoon. He is the first sitting mayor in the city's modern history to face federal criminal charges.
US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York on Thursday 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 accused 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 pleads not guilty
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
Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 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:
Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
Federal agents seized mayor Adams’s electronic devices
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Mayor Adams denies ‘entirely false’ charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Ocasio-Cortez says Mayor Adams should resign
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.”
Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio says he has two reactions on Adams’ indictment
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Mayor Adams claps back at AOC’s resignation call
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.”
Adams currently meeting with lawyers and chief of staff at Gracie Mansion
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
What to know as NYC mayor Eric Adams is indicted in FBI probe
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
What to know as NYC mayor Eric Adams is indicted in FBI probe
Indictment coincides with week world leaders are in New York City for UN summit
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
How lawyers for Eric Adams met prosecutors to try to stop charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Watch: Eric Adams vows to fight federal charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 10:40 , Rhian Lubin
When does Adams have to surrender?
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Who is Jumaane Williams?
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
The other candidates who want the job of America’s most high-profile mayor
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Governor has the power to remove Adams from office
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.”
RECAP: Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 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:
Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges
Agents search official mayoral residence this morning
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Former mayoral candidate says ‘New Yorkers deserve better’
Thursday 26 September 2024 13:00 , Rhian Lubin
Former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang responded to the news by saying: “New Yorkers deserve better.”
ICYMI: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls on Adams to resign
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says New York City mayor should resign
Adams was at the mayoral residence when news of the indictment broke
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
In photos: FBI agents descend on Gracie Mansion
Thursday 26 September 2024 13:46 , Ariana Baio
Investigators take Adams’ phone: lawyer
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.”
Sources: Two of Adams’s campaign staff ‘named in the indictment'
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Biden met with former NYC mayor on Wednesday evening
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Press conference to be held at 11:30 am ET
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.”
Everything you need to know about FBI probe
Thursday 26 September 2024 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:
NYC mayor Eric Adams indicted: All you need to know about FBI probe
Chuck Schumer declines to comment on indictment
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Watch live: Criminal charges against Eric Adams expected to be unsealed
Thursday 26 September 2024 15:50 , Ariana Baio
Watch live: Criminal charges against Eric Adams expected to be unsealed
Eric Adams charged with bribery, wire fraud and more
Thursday 26 September 2024 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
Indictment accuses Adams of accepting ‘straw’ donor contributions
Thursday 26 September 2024 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
Adams allegedly accepted lavish benefits from Turkish government official
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Adams says he ‘expected’ charges
Thursday 26 September 2024 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’ press conference interrupted by protesters
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Watch: Eric Adams says he 'followed the law' after being charged with bribery and corruption
Thursday 26 September 2024 16:40 , Ariana Baio
US Attorney says Adams has a ‘long running’ history of corruption
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
In Photos: Eric Adams after being indicted on five federal counts
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
‘Your turn’: Turkish officials asked Adams to influence FDNY inspection
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Who are the other people mentioned in the indictment?
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Adams flew Turkish Airline even when it was ‘inconvenient’
Thursday 26 September 2024 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.
Businessman in alleged straw donor scheme benefitted from Adams
Thursday 26 September 2024 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 ‘changed’ his phone password and ‘forgot’ it day before FBI raid
Thursday 26 September 2024 19:00 , Ariana Baio
The indictment alleges that Adams changed his behavior to conceal his criminal activity upon learning he was being investigated, which included changing the password to his phone and then forgetting it the day before federal agents seized it.
On November 5, 2023, Adams changed his personal cellphone’s password and “increased the complexity of his password from four digits to six.”
On November 6, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant to obtain Adams’ electronic devices.
He told investigators he did so to prevent his employees from inadvertently or intentionally deleting the contents of his phone so it would be well-preserved for investigators.
But Adams then claimed he had “forgotten” the password he just created and was unable to provide the FBI with it.
Adams lawyers request arraignment dates
Thursday 26 September 2024 19:51 , Ariana Baio
Mayor Eric Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, asked the judge overseeing the case Dale Ho for the first appearance to take place on either Friday or Monday, according to a court document.
What are the official charges?
Thursday 26 September 2024 20:00 , Ariana Baio
Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals
Count two: Wire fraud
Count three and four: Solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national
Count five: Bribery
Can Eric Adams be removed?
Thursday 26 September 2024 20:30 , Ariana Baio
Adams has made it clear he will not resign, despite widespread calls for him to do so after he was federally indicted. But he could be removed in one of two ways.
Governor Kathy Hochul could remove him but the process is complicated. It would require Hochul to suspend Adams for 30 days and then somewhat of a trial would need to occur.
Thus far, Hochul has declined to give a formal statement on whether or not she would do so.
Another option is for a committee, made up of five people, on “mayoral inability”. That committee would include the corporation counsel, the comptroller, the speaker of the council, a deputy mayor designated by the mayor as well as the borough president with the longest consecutive service as borough president.
Four out of five members must vote to remove the mayor.
Chuck Schumer calls the charges “serious"
Thursday 26 September 2024 21:00 , Ariana Baio
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York, said the charges against Adams are “serious” and the legal process should carry out “speedily and fairly”
“No one is above the law, including the mayor of New York City,” Schumer said.
Eric Adams sends email to city employees: ‘I’ve done nothing wrong'
Thursday 26 September 2024 21:30 , Ariana Baio
New York City Mayor Eric Adams told city government employees that he has done “nothing wrong” and that he will continue working on behalf of New Yorkers.
“Undoubtedly, you all have now heard the news about the indictment out of the Southern District of New York. While my legal team thoroughly reviews the allegations that were just released publicly, let me be very clear, I know I’ve done nothing wrong. I am committed to continuing to fight on behalf of New Yorkers as your mayor,” Adams wrote in the email, obtained by The New York Daily News.
Eric Adams to be arraigned on Friday
Thursday 26 September 2024 21:48 , Ariana Baio
Judge Dale Ho has determined New York City Mayor Eric Adams will be arraigned on Friday, September 27.
Watch: DOJ says Eric Adams accepted $100,000 of undisclosed luxury tips from Turkey
Thursday 26 September 2024 22:00 , Ariana Baio
Thursday 26 September 2024 22:10 , Ariana Baio
This live blog is now paused.
Check back later for updates.
Recap: Eric Adams due in court today
11:46 , Rhian Lubin
Welcome back to our live coverage.
Eric Adams is due to appear in court today where he will be arraigned.
The New York City Mayor was yesterday charged with bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national, and conspiracy.
As reports swirled on Wednesday night that Adams had been indicted, federal agents swooped on the mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday by US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York.
Adams, who denies all the allegations, is expected to appear in court at noon ET.
Background to the case, according to prosecutors
12:30 , Rhian Lubin
Prosecutors say Adams, who denies the charges, has been taking bribes and foreign campaign contributions since at least 2014, when he was elected Brooklyn Borough president.
Since then, the indictment alleges, Adams has continued to seek out accept, “improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him.”
All told, he took more than $100,000 in luxury “travel benefits” and solicited campaign contributions from straw donors, allowing him to rake in at least $10 million in public funds for his campaiang, prosecutors alleged.
Catch up on everything you need to know about the case in our report.
NYC mayor Eric Adams indicted: All you need to know about FBI probe
The wild and weird moments of a chaotic mayorship
13:15 , Rhian Lubin
Adams is no stranger to controversy, having been the subject of multiple gaffes and meme-worthy moments since he took office two years ago.
Mike Bedigan charts some of the wild and weird moments of his mayorship.
Read the full report below.
From Rat Czar to Fishgate: The wild and weird moments of Eric Adams’ mayorship
Trump: Adams ‘was indicted for criticizing Biden’s migrant policy'
14:00 , Rhian Lubin
Donald Trump appeared to suggest that Eric Adams had been indicted after criticizing the Biden administration’s policy on “illegal migrants.”
Speaking at a press conference at Trump Tower on Thursday, the former president said that although he did not know Adams well, he had been “fairly generous to me in his statements.”
He then claimed he had predicted the mayor’s arrest and subsequent indictment over a year previously.
“I watched about a year ago when he talked about how the illegal migrants are hurting our city and the federal government should pay us and we shouldn’t have to take them, and I said ‘you know what, he’ll be indicted within the year’ and I was exactly right,” he said.
Read more below.
Trump says he believes Eric Adams indicted for criticizing Biden’s migrant policy
See it: Eric Adams arrives at Manhattan courthouse
14:30 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has arrived at Manhattan federal court ahead of his arraignment, scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.
Governor Kathy Hochul has power to remove Eric Adams as mayor
15:00 , Katie Hawkinson
Governor Kathy Hochul has the legal power to remove Eric Adams as mayor of New York City, The New York Times reports.
However, she did not address those powers in a statement on Thursday night about the indictment.
“I expect the mayor 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,” Hochul said, according to the Times. “We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.”
Free upgrades, campaign donations and the Bentley suite: How Eric Adams allegedly traveled the world on Turkey’s dime
15:30 , Katie Hawkinson
Eric Adams will be arraigned in Manhattan federal court today at 12 p.m. ET.
Catch up on everything you need to know about the charges he’s facing ahead of the hearing from The Independent’s Justin Rohrlich:
How Eric Adams allegedly traveled the world on Turkey’s dime
Eric Adams tweet praising Diddy resurfaces as both are indicted
16:00 , Kevin EG Perry
A tweet by New York City Mayor Eric Adams praising disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has resurfaced after both men were indicted on federal criminal charges.
The social media message, which was posted in September last year, reads: “He might be the ‘bad boy’ of entertainment, but Sean Combs will forever be a New York City kid who made good.
Read more:
Eric Adams tweet praising Diddy resurfaces as both are indicted
Watch: Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, vows to fight federal charges ahead of arraignment today
16:30 , Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: New York Times’s Editorial Board calls for Eric Adams to step down
16:45 , Katie Hawkinson
The New York Times’s Editorial Board has called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid his indictment on federal charges.
“The charges against Mr. Adams are serious, including allegations that he misappropriated more than $10 million in public funds for his 2021 campaign,” the Editorial Board wrote.
“The mayor will have his day in court and is entitled to make a vigorous defense, but that does not mean he must force New York City to wait for him to prove his innocence under the law,” the Editorial Board continued. “To serve the city that elected him, Mr. Adams should immediately resign and turn City Hall over to someone untainted by criminal charges and endless investigations.”
Eric Adams seated for arraignment
16:58 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is seated inside Manhattan federal court awaiting his arraignment, which is set to begin any moment.
Eric Adams enters plea
17:15 , Katie Hawkinson
Mayor Eric Adams has officially entered his not-guilty plea to all five federal charges as his arraignment proceeds in Manhattan federal court.
Eric Adams to appear in court next week
17:31 , Katie Hawkinson
Mayor Eric Adams is set to appear in court again on Wednesday before Judge Dale Ho.
At his arraignment on Friday afternoon, prosecutors did not request Adams surrender his passport. However, he is forbidden from having contact with witnesses named in the indictment. Prosecutors will give his attorney, Alex Spiro, a list of those names.
However, because members of his family and staff are named, Adams is permitted to discuss “business or private family matters,” Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker said.
Hundreds gather for Eric Adams’s arraignment
18:00 , Ariana Baio, Katie Hawkinson
Journalists and members of the public gathered at the Manhattan federal court today for Eric Adams’s arraignment.
Across the street and in front of the courtroom, there are hundreds of people. Cars are in gridlock, and passersby have stopped to take photos and videos
Many journalists agreed that today’s crowd was larger than the crowd for Donald Trump’s legal proceedings.
18:30 , Katie Hawkinson
Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, called on Eric Adams to resign.
“While the criminal charges outlined in the indictment by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York are very serious, Mayor Adams deserves the right to due process and to be treated as presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, there are questions on whether the Mayor can continue to effectively lead our City as Mayor at this time,” Nadler posted on X.
He is joined in calling for Adams to step down by progressive representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Recap: Eric Adams charged with bribery and wire fraud as indictment unsealed
19:00 , Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: Eric Adams’ indictment spurs hilarious reactions from New Yorkers
19:30 , Katie Hawkinson
Mayor Eric Adams’ September 25 indictment has spurred hilarious reactions from New Yorkers.
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Eric Adams’ indictment spurs hilarious reactions from New Yorkers
Eric Adams’ indictment has come at the worst time for Democrats
20:00 , Katie Hawkinson
What does Eric Adams’s indictment mean for Democrats?
Learn more The Independent’s Washington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia:
Eric Adams’ indictment has come at the worst time for Democrats
From Rat Czar to Fishgate: The wild and weird moments of Eric Adams’ chaotic mayorship so far
20:30 , Mike Bedigan
Eric Adams has been hit with a string of federal criminal charges, including corruption and bribery, the first time in modern history for a sitting New York City mayor.
Prosecutors for 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” on Thursday.
Adams is no stranger to controversy, however, having been the subject of multiple gaffes and meme-worthy moments since he took office two years ago.
Continue reading:
From Rat Czar to Fishgate: The wild and weird moments of Eric Adams’ mayorship
Watch: DOJ says Eric Adams accepted $100,000 of undisclosed luxury from Turkey
21:00 , Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: What are the official charges against Eric Adams?
21:30 , Katie Hawkinson
Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals
Count two: Wire fraud
Count three and four: Solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national
Count five: Bribery