By The Guardian (World News) | Created at 2024-09-26 15:00:15 | Updated at 2024-09-30 13:34:03
3 days ago
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, faces charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources after an indictment was filed against the controversial leader of one of the world’s biggest cities.
The moment is a deep crisis for the former cop, who was elected with a tough on crime agenda but who has courted controversy throughout his political career and has been a polarizing figure on the left.
Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor to be criminally charged.
When the news broke of the indictment late on Wednesday night, Adams released a defiant video statement. “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. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
He also vowed to stay in office.“I have been facing these lies for months ... yet the city has continued to improve,” Adams said. “Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.”
The indictment followed months of scrutiny after some of his closest aides and allies came under federal investigation as prosecutors began examining his inner circle. Less than a month ago federal agents raided the homes of high-ranking officials within Adams’ administration and seized electronic devices from the home of the New York police department commissioner.
More details soon…
