New York mayor Eric Adams indicted on federal charges – report

Democrat declares his innocence but is set to be first New York mayor to be charged while in office

Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, has reportedly been indicted on federal criminal charges.
Sources told The New York Times that Mr Adams had been indicted on the charges, which are unclear as his indictment has not yet been unsealed.
Federal prosecutors, the FBI and the city’s Department of Investigation are expected to announce the details on Thursday, when Mr Adams could appear in court.
It means that the former police captain, 64, who was elected three years ago on a platform of cutting crime, has become the first sitting New York mayor to face criminal charges.
It was not immediately clear whether Mr Adams would be arrested or voluntarily surrender.
The development will pile pressure on the Democrat to step down. 
Mr Adams on Wednesday night declared his innocence and that he would fight the expected charges in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” he said in a statement to The New York Times.
“If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
In a speech recorded at his official residence, Mr Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to manage the city while he fights the charges, but he vowed to stay in office.
“I have been facing these lies for months … yet the city has continued to improve,” Mr Adams said. “Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.”
Mr Adams’ inner circle has been the target of several investigations, with agents seizing phones from senior city officials – including one of his top aides – earlier this month.
Authorities seized the mayor’s electronic devices in November last year, just days after they searched the home of his chief fundraiser.
Mr Adams has consistently maintained that he has done nothing wrong, while his aides say that he has cooperated with the authorities.
There is speculation that the indictment may prompt an exodus of more of Mr Adams’ allies, after his police commissioner, schools chancellor and health commissioner announced their resignations this month.
Earlier on Wednesday, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York representative, called on the beleaguered New York mayor to step down.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” the Democrat wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening [government] function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.”For the good of the city, he should resign.”