New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the guy who promised to clean up the streets, has now found himself indicted by a grand jury. That’s right—indicted. According to a couple of sources who clearly know what’s going on but aren’t authorized to say a word publicly, Adams is facing federal criminal charges. All of this comes after weeks of FBI raids, subpoenas, and high-level resignations that have turned the city’s government into, well, a complete disaster.
The actual charges against Adams, a Democrat, haven’t been spelled out yet, but we’re supposed to know more on Thursday when the indictment is officially unsealed. At least, that’s what these unnamed sources told The Associated Press. As for the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan? Yeah, they’re staying quiet for now. Nothing to see here, folks, just your local mayor being indicted!
Is it possible this whole thing is just political payback? Some people are throwing around the term “lawfare,” which, for the uninitiated, is when legal systems are used to go after political opponents. Could Adams’ very public disagreement with the Biden administration on illegal immigration have painted a target on his back? I think so.
There’s no shortage of critics who’ve already pointed out that Democrats have a bit of a reputation for using the legal system to settle political scores. Adams’ indictment could just be the latest chapter in that ongoing saga. And now, some are saying this “lawfare” strategy is starting to backfire, with Democratic heavyweights like Adams finding themselves in the crosshairs.
But don’t worry, Adams isn’t going anywhere—at least not according to him. In a dramatic, recorded speech from his official residence, he declared that he’s not stepping down. Why would he? After all, the charges are “entirely false, based on lies,” in his words. He even went full martyr mode: “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became.” Oh, and he’s going to “fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.” I mean, who writes this stuff?
As for the nitty-gritty legal details, we don’t really know what laws he’s accused of breaking, and we have no clue when he’s supposed to show up in court. But here’s a fun tidbit: nearly a year ago, federal investigators seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of a probe that might have something to do with campaign contributions and—wait for it—his ties to the Turkish government. Sure, no big deal, right? Since the charges are still sealed, it’s anybody’s guess if they’re even related to that.
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELOh, and The New York Times was the first to break the story about the indictment. They love a good political scandal, don’t they?
Now, let’s talk about how this indictment is such a shocking plot twist for Adams, who was elected almost three years ago as the city’s second Black mayor. A former police captain, he ran on a platform of working-class grit and a promise to crack down on crime. How’s that going? Well, while he’s been all about reducing crime, it looks like he’s become a legal mess himself. Federal investigations have zeroed in on his inner circle, and even Adams’ own campaign. In just the last two weeks, his top appointees in the police and school systems have jumped ship. Great timing, huh?
Here’s a fun historical fact for you: Adams is the first NYC mayor ever to get indicted while still in office. If he steps down (don’t hold your breath), the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would take over and then call for a special election.
As for Gov. Kathy Hochul, she has the power to give Adams the boot. Her spokesperson, Avi Small, diplomatically said, “Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.” Translation: “We’re not touching this with a ten-foot pole until we absolutely have to.”
And here’s where it gets even more absurd. All this drama is happening against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly in NYC, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in town. You know, because nothing says “welcome world leaders” quite like a mayoral indictment.
The federal investigations into Adams’ administration first hit the public radar last November when the FBI raided the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, Adams’ chief fundraiser. Adams responded by saying he was completely above board and would be “shocked” if anyone in his campaign did something shady. Shocked, he said. A few days later, FBI agents confiscated Adams’ phones and iPad as he casually left an event in Manhattan. So, yeah, shocked.
Fast forward to September 4, and the feds were busy again, snatching up electronic devices from Adams’ trusted aides—including the city’s police commissioner, schools chancellor, and deputy mayor for public safety. Who knew government service involved so many electronic gadgets?
Just to keep things interesting, former police commissioner Edward Caban resigned after his devices were seized, and two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced he’s calling it quits at the end of the year. But Adams? He’s staying the course, letting the investigations “run their course,” which sounds like a great strategy when you’re surrounded by federal investigators.
Oh, and over the summer, prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign, and City Hall, seeking details about his schedule, overseas travel, and—you guessed it—potential connections to the Turkish government.
And let’s not forget Adams’ background. He spent 22 years in the NYPD before entering politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. His rise to mayor? According to him, it was ordained by God. Yes, that God. But after more than two years in office, his approval rating has taken a nosedive. Sure, some crime is down and jobs are up, but the city’s been overwhelmed by tens of thousands of international migrants, and that’s caused some serious headaches.
Add to that the ongoing drip of accusations against Adams and the people close to him, and, well, it’s not looking great. On top of the Manhattan prosecutor investigations, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are also poking around. One of their targets? Winnie Greco, an Adams aide who raised big bucks from the Chinese American community for his campaign. She hasn’t said anything about the FBI’s visits, but hey, she’s still on the job.
And the drama doesn’t stop there. Federal agents even visited Thomas Donlan, the new interim police commissioner, and grabbed materials he’s apparently held onto for 20 years. No one really knows why, but it seems Adams is using this as proof that the feds are overreaching.
Before the indictment dropped, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had already called for Adams to resign, making her the first big-name Democrat to do so. Adams, of course, dismissed her as “self-righteous.” Classic.
With the mayoral primary looming, Adams now faces a growing chorus of calls to step down. City Comptroller Brad Lander called the indictment “a sad day for New Yorkers,” while State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said it’s “especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this Mayor.” Ouch.
And Scott Stringer, a former comptroller and likely mayoral challenger, didn’t hold back, calling New York City a “broken down train wreck of a municipal government.” The top Republican in the City Council, Joe Borelli, is reserving judgment until he sees the charges. Fair enough.
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