Scandal: New York City Mayor Eric Adams accused in federal court
26 september 2024 в 14:13
Federal prosecutors have charged New York City Mayor Eric Adams, marking the first time in the city’s history that a sitting mayor has been accused.
Details of the specific charges Adams will face are not yet clear, but prosecutors are expected to present them on Thursday, according to the New York Times.
«I always knew that if I stood up for the residents of New York, I would become a target — and a target I have become», - the 64-year-old mayor said in a video statement published late Wednesday, indicating that he will remain in his position despite the accusations. «If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every drop of my strength and spirit».
He also acknowledged that ordinary New Yorkers may be concerned about his ability to perform his duties in light of the accusations, stating: «I have been facing these false accusations for months now». The charges follow a federal investigation that included the seizure of electronic devices from Adams and a search of the home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, less than a year ago.
Here is everything you need to know about Mayor Adams.
Adams was born on September 1, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by a working mother, he grew up in both Brooklyn and Queens, facing various challenges including dyslexia and encounters with law enforcement — topics he often speaks about.
«People need to see that as long as I am on this public stage, children with learning difficulties and other issues they have to deal with will be okay», - Adams said in 2022.
He studied at the New York City College of Technology and later obtained a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Adams joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1984, rising through the ranks over many years. During his time in the department, he led two organizations representing black officers: the Guardians Association and 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
He then entered politics, winning election to the New York State Senate, where he focused on public safety, education, and community engagement. In 2021, he ran for mayor and won, becoming the 110th mayor of New York City. His campaign focused on reducing crime, ensuring public safety, and social justice.
The investigation began in 2021 but remained secret until November 2023, when FBI agents raided the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, Suggs, in Brooklyn in the early morning hours.
After federal investigations into his administration became public knowledge, Adams insisted that he followed the law and stated that he would be «shocked» if anyone in his campaign acted unlawfully. «I can’t tell you how I start my day by telling my team that we must follow the law», - he told reporters at the time. Several days later, FBI agents seized the mayor’s phones and iPad as he left an event in Manhattan. This interaction was disclosed a few days later by the mayor’s attorney.
Then on September 4, federal investigators seized electronic devices from the city’s police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor for public safety, first deputy mayor, and other trusted allies of Adams.
The investigation is partially focused on potential foreign donations and whether Mayor Adams pressured fire officials to approve the opening of a new high-rise consulate building for the Turkish government, despite security concerns. Investigators are also looking into whether Adams accepted expensive flights and upgrades from Turkish Airlines, partially owned by the Turkish government. Additionally, they are seeking information on a construction company in Brooklyn run by Turkish Americans and a small university in Washington, D.C., with Turkish ties.
Adams has previously been investigated four times by the department, including associations with individuals convicted of crimes, such as Mike Tyson. He was investigated as a police officer
Details of the specific charges Adams will face are not yet clear, but prosecutors are expected to present them on Thursday, according to the New York Times.
«I always knew that if I stood up for the residents of New York, I would become a target — and a target I have become», - the 64-year-old mayor said in a video statement published late Wednesday, indicating that he will remain in his position despite the accusations. «If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every drop of my strength and spirit».
He also acknowledged that ordinary New Yorkers may be concerned about his ability to perform his duties in light of the accusations, stating: «I have been facing these false accusations for months now». The charges follow a federal investigation that included the seizure of electronic devices from Adams and a search of the home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, less than a year ago.
Here is everything you need to know about Mayor Adams.
Adams was born on September 1, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by a working mother, he grew up in both Brooklyn and Queens, facing various challenges including dyslexia and encounters with law enforcement — topics he often speaks about.
«People need to see that as long as I am on this public stage, children with learning difficulties and other issues they have to deal with will be okay», - Adams said in 2022.
He studied at the New York City College of Technology and later obtained a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Adams joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1984, rising through the ranks over many years. During his time in the department, he led two organizations representing black officers: the Guardians Association and 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
He then entered politics, winning election to the New York State Senate, where he focused on public safety, education, and community engagement. In 2021, he ran for mayor and won, becoming the 110th mayor of New York City. His campaign focused on reducing crime, ensuring public safety, and social justice.
The investigation began in 2021 but remained secret until November 2023, when FBI agents raided the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, Suggs, in Brooklyn in the early morning hours.
After federal investigations into his administration became public knowledge, Adams insisted that he followed the law and stated that he would be «shocked» if anyone in his campaign acted unlawfully. «I can’t tell you how I start my day by telling my team that we must follow the law», - he told reporters at the time. Several days later, FBI agents seized the mayor’s phones and iPad as he left an event in Manhattan. This interaction was disclosed a few days later by the mayor’s attorney.
Then on September 4, federal investigators seized electronic devices from the city’s police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor for public safety, first deputy mayor, and other trusted allies of Adams.
The investigation is partially focused on potential foreign donations and whether Mayor Adams pressured fire officials to approve the opening of a new high-rise consulate building for the Turkish government, despite security concerns. Investigators are also looking into whether Adams accepted expensive flights and upgrades from Turkish Airlines, partially owned by the Turkish government. Additionally, they are seeking information on a construction company in Brooklyn run by Turkish Americans and a small university in Washington, D.C., with Turkish ties.
Adams has previously been investigated four times by the department, including associations with individuals convicted of crimes, such as Mike Tyson. He was investigated as a police officer
© Artemenko Olga
