New York City Mayor Adams indicted following federal investigation
CBS News
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted following a federal investigation, sources tell CBS News. The move comes on the heels of several investigations involving the mayor and members of his administration.
The various investigations have been playing out over the course of months, starting in November 2023, and heated up with a flurry of subpoenas in recent weeks.
Adams responded to the indictment on Wednesday night.
“I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said.
Adams has said he and his officials are cooperating.
Asked if he was going to resign, Adams previously rejected the idea outright.
“I’m stepping up, not stepping down,” Adams said on Tuesday. “I have a city to run.”
Adams said Tuesday he’s looking forward to running for reelection, and being sworn in for a second term.
A spokesperson for Adams said, “We expect all team members to fully comply with any ongoing inquiry.”
Adams campaign fundraising investigation: Federal authorities had been scrutinizing donations to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign from people connected with the Turkish government, sources told CBS News New York. That investigation started in November, 2023. Federal agents raided the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Adams had been attending a meeting on the migrant crisis in Washington D.C. at the time of the raid, but came back to New York City when he heard raids on Suggs and others were taking place.
That investigation has apparently expanded. People with knowledge of the investigation said a new round of subpoenas delivered to Adams’ lawyer in July sought information related to his dealings with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.
Adams said Tuesday that, as mayor, he had only visited Israel and Qatar.
At issue in the fundraising investigation: Whether straw donors from Turkey contributed to Adams’ campaign, sources said. Reportedly, employees of a Brooklyn construction company allegedly made donations to Adams’ campaign. When questioned, however, some of them said they couldn’t recall doing so.
Investigators have been looking into whether donations were linked to any possible pressure put on the FDNY to approve the opening of a new Turkish consulate in Midtown, despite safety concerns, sources told CBS News New York.
The investigation is also looking into whether Adams received free flights and upgrades on Turkish Airlines, sources said.
