NYC Mayor Eric Adams Pleads Not Guilty to Bribery and Fraud Charges
“If I am charged, I am innocent,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, 64, on Wednesday, following his indictment on federal criminal charges.
The NYC Mayor has remained steadfast that he has encouraged his administration and campaign to follow the law, however the indictment suggests a suspicious exchange with Turkish businessmen and officials and includes five charges with relation to campaign money, possible favors and foreign influence, according to CNN. It was reported yesterday that the Mayor has been charged with Bribery and Fraud, following the unsealing of the indictment in the morning and a search of Adams’ home, Gracie Mansion, by the Feds.
It was reported today that Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and surrendered to the Feds ahead of a scheduled appearance before a Manhattan federal judge, which was scheduled for noon today.
Furthering his claim of innocence, Adams released a filmed speech late Wednesday night, imploring New Yorkers and Americans nationwide that the accusations are false, and that he will remain as Mayor of New York City.
In an analysis made by the City Hall Bureau Chief for the New York Times, Emma G. Fitzsimmons noted that “it appeared that he recorded the video before he knew he had been indicted.”
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul can remove him from his position, however she has yet to take action. Hochul is reportedly aware of the indictment but “monitoring” the situation. She also put out a statement in which she said that “she ‘carefully reviewed’ the indictment on Thursday, in what she called ‘an extraordinarily difficult day for New York City.’ While she did not call on Adams to resign, she said, ‘It's now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead.’”
Outspoken politicians within the city such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez demanded that Adams be removed from office.
In the past, the NYU Silver School of Social Work put out a statement commending Mayor Adams for his mental health plan, stating that they, “commend Mayor Adams’ plan to prioritize prevention and care for youth, especially in communities that have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted by the effects of the pandemic.” “Investing toward good mental health in all communities is important in order for New York to thrive, now and in the future,” the statement read.
Following the arrest of over 120 students at NYU during a pro-Palestine protest, Adams suggested that the protests may have been infiltrated by outside agitators. He also held a briefing one day after the arrests.