New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted, sources say

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The indictment detailing the charges against Adams, a Democrat, was still sealed late Wednesday, according to the people, who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment. The indictment was first reported by The New York Times.

"I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became," Adams said in a statement that implied he hadn't been informed of the indictment. "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."

It was not immediately clear when the charges would be made public or when Adams might have to appear in court.

The indictment marks a stunning fall for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the second Black mayor of the nation's largest city on a platform that promised a law-and-order approach to reducing crime.

For much of the last year, Adams has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations into top advisers producing a drumbeat of subpoenas, searches and high-level departures that has thrust City Hall into crisis.

He had repeatedly said he wasn't aware of any wrongdoing and vowed as recently as Wednesday afternoon to stay in office.

Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office. If he were to resign, he would be replaced by the city's public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election.

Gov. Kathy