Scandal: New York City Mayor Eric Adams accused of corruption after winning the election
26 september 2024 в 15:13
In 2021, Eric Adams 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.
Now federal prosecutors have charged the mayor of New York City after an investigation into corruption, making the 64-year-old politician the first mayor in the city’s history to be charged while in office.
«I always knew that if I stood up for the residents of New York City, I would become a target — and a target I have become», - Adams said in a video statement published late on Wednesday, stating that he has no intention of stepping down despite the charges. «If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with all my strength and spirit».
Details of the specific charges to be brought against Adams are not yet clear, but prosecutors are expected to present them on Thursday, according to the New York Times.
As the situation develops, here is more information about the mayor, including his political affiliation and what the charges mean for him.
Adams is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, he was a New York State Senator and President of the Brooklyn Borough, both positions held within the Democratic Party. His 2021 mayoral campaign focused on progressive issues, including public safety reforms, economic justice, and social justice.
Charges are an official accusation of committing a crime. They are usually brought by a grand jury, which reviews the evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if there is enough grounds to charge a person with a criminal offense. Charges do not imply guilt; they simply mean that there is enough evidence to take the case to court.
The investigation focused in part 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 about a construction company in Brooklyn run by Turkish Americans, and a small university in Washington, D.C., with Turkish ties.
The investigation remained confidential until it was revealed in late 2023 when FBI agents raided the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in the early morning.
Adams had 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 for working security for Tyson immediately after the boxer’s release from prison on a rape charge in 1995.
On Wednesday, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she does not see how Mayor Adams can continue his work.
City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement on X that the charges against Adams are «a sad day for the residents of New York City», - adding, «Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they do not have that». Lander, a Democrat, is running for mayor in the 2025 elections.
Scott Stringer, former New York City Comptroller and Democratic candidate in the next municipal elections, said, «There is simply no chance that the wheels of government will move forward at full speed. Instead, we are left with a shattered train-wreck of municipal government. The mayor must resign for the good of the city».
Jessica Ramos, a progressive New York State Senator from Queens, did not call for Adams to resign but suggested that he has lost the ability to govern. «Over the past two and a half years, this administration has made the city more expensive, while those close to the mayor have benefited»
Now federal prosecutors have charged the mayor of New York City after an investigation into corruption, making the 64-year-old politician the first mayor in the city’s history to be charged while in office.
«I always knew that if I stood up for the residents of New York City, I would become a target — and a target I have become», - Adams said in a video statement published late on Wednesday, stating that he has no intention of stepping down despite the charges. «If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with all my strength and spirit».
Details of the specific charges to be brought against Adams are not yet clear, but prosecutors are expected to present them on Thursday, according to the New York Times.
As the situation develops, here is more information about the mayor, including his political affiliation and what the charges mean for him.
Adams is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, he was a New York State Senator and President of the Brooklyn Borough, both positions held within the Democratic Party. His 2021 mayoral campaign focused on progressive issues, including public safety reforms, economic justice, and social justice.
Charges are an official accusation of committing a crime. They are usually brought by a grand jury, which reviews the evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if there is enough grounds to charge a person with a criminal offense. Charges do not imply guilt; they simply mean that there is enough evidence to take the case to court.
The investigation focused in part 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 about a construction company in Brooklyn run by Turkish Americans, and a small university in Washington, D.C., with Turkish ties.
The investigation remained confidential until it was revealed in late 2023 when FBI agents raided the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in the early morning.
Adams had 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 for working security for Tyson immediately after the boxer’s release from prison on a rape charge in 1995.
On Wednesday, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she does not see how Mayor Adams can continue his work.
City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement on X that the charges against Adams are «a sad day for the residents of New York City», - adding, «Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they do not have that». Lander, a Democrat, is running for mayor in the 2025 elections.
Scott Stringer, former New York City Comptroller and Democratic candidate in the next municipal elections, said, «There is simply no chance that the wheels of government will move forward at full speed. Instead, we are left with a shattered train-wreck of municipal government. The mayor must resign for the good of the city».
Jessica Ramos, a progressive New York State Senator from Queens, did not call for Adams to resign but suggested that he has lost the ability to govern. «Over the past two and a half years, this administration has made the city more expensive, while those close to the mayor have benefited»
© Kolganov Andrey
