(Patriot.Buzz) – Erick Adams has made history by becoming the first New York City mayor ever to be indicted on charges stemming from a federal probe.
After it was revealed that U.S. Attorney Damian Williams planned to make the indictment public today, Adams said he would turn himself in early next week.
While specific details of the charges are still under wraps, they reportedly relate to accusations that the Turkish government illegally sent money to Adams’ mayoral campaign.
The Turkish government allegedly expected Adams to approve the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan.
Adams is also suspected of serving as an unregistered foreign agent by accepting these foreign donations.
The mayor defended himself, stating, “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.”
In a video statement, Adams expressed his resolve to remain in office and fight the charges, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and justice.
“I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life,” he declared.
“That fight has continued as your mayor. Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics,” he said.
Reports from sources disclosed that Adams’ primary campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs and his director of Asian affairs Winnie Greco are also expected to be named in the indictment. At least three others will likely face charges.
Following the indictment news, police set up barriers outside Adams’ Gracie Mansion residence and restricted media access.
This indictment is part of a broader federal probe that includes a series of September raids targeting top officials in Adams’ administration.
This has sent shockwaves through City Hall as rumors of more charges are causing significant anxiety among staff.
Federal demands have escalated. As part of this extensive investigation, prosecutors are seeking all communications between Adams’ administration and several foreign nations.
Earlier, in July, Adams’ campaign was subpoenaed for details concerning donations linked to Turkey.
That month, a broad request for records about interactions with foreign countries like Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan also came up.
This is a singular event in New York City’s history: it is the first such charge against a mayor in 170 years.
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