New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on charges Wednesday alleging that he took bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.
U.S. Attorney Damien Williams says Adams engaged in “long-running” corruption involving bribes from foreign nationals dating back nearly a decade, the AP reported Thursday. Williams also said the investigation continues and more people “will be held accountable.”
Adams, the first sitting NYC Mayor to be indicted, held an often chaotic news conference on Thursday where he was drowned out by hecklers in the crowd.
The mayor good-naturedly told the crowd that he was "not surprised" by the indictments and said there was "no circumstance" in which he would resign, despite demands from his constituents, including fellow New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“No, no. Listen, I’m here, I was elected by the people of this city,” Adams responded to one reporter who asked if he was planning on stepping down. “This is a city that is extremely resilient. This is a city, we have gone through some difficult and hard times and we are going to continue to move forward as a city.”
Adams is a former police captain who won the mayoral election nearly three years ago to become the city’s second Black mayor. Despite focusing his attention on reducing crime as the cornerstone of his administration, he’s faced multiple federal investigations in connection with his top aides and his campaign.
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called Adams’ indictment "a serious and sober moment for New York City."
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.