Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, indicted on federal charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges on Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter.

It is unclear what the charges are, the indictment is currently under seal. However, Adams has been facing numerous federal investigations.

The FBI and the New York City Department of Investigations will release more information about the indictment against Adams on Thursday.

For months the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing.

In a statement, Adams said, “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 later released a video proclaiming his innocence.

“My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes,” said Adams in the video. “If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target, and a target I became.”

He added: “I can also understand how everyday New Yorkers would be concerned that I cannot do my job while I face accusations, but I have been facing these lies for months since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigation started.”

One of those allegations of wrongdoing is related to an alleged straw donor scheme.

In November 2023, federal agents seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance misconduct.

According to reports, Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021