Charges have been filed against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The 64-year-old Democrat is accused of bribery, fraud and illegal financing of election campaigns, according to the Public Prosecution Service in the American metropolis. He is said to have received donations from Turkey.
According to US media reports, this is the first federal crime indictment against a sitting mayor of the metropolis.
Mayor denies allegations
Adams has called all the allegations “completely false and based on lies.” He is “innocent” and will fight the charges “with all my might and spirit.” He has always known that if he stood up for the citizens of New York, he could become a target himself.
The former police officer has been chief of New York City Hall since January 2022, but has not been able to achieve much so far. Things have been particularly turbulent in his city administration lately, with several Adams employees being investigated for various allegations, and numerous resignations.
Receiving money from Turkey?
The indictment, unsealed Thursday morning, follows an investigation that began in 2021. It focused in part on whether Adams conspired with the Turkish government to obtain illegal foreign campaign contributions. Possible political quid pro quos are also under investigation.
The gifts were worth more than $100,000, according to investigators. At least one Turkish government official is involved in the case. Adams also tried to cover up the donations.
The mayor of New York gave a press conference:
Among the allegations: In exchange for the benefits, Adams, as mayor, allegedly pressured New York City Fire Department officials to approve a new Turkish consulate building in Manhattan, even though it had failed fire inspections.
Adams calls for patience, others for his resignation
Adams’s popularity has plummeted since the charges broke, and calls for his resignation have grown louder and louder, most recently from within his own ranks. “I fail to see how Mayor Adams can continue to govern New York City,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote before the charges against X were officially announced. “For the good of the city, he must resign.” asked for patience.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
