NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty as he faces 45 years in prison on corruption charges: Live updates
The Democrat is the first sitting mayor in New York City modern history to face criminal charges
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national, and conspiracy.
Adams entered his plea at Manhattan federal court on Friday afternoon. He is the first sitting mayor in the city's modern history to face federal criminal charges.
US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York on Thursday unveiled a sprawling five-count indictment against Adams, accusing him of seeking and accepting “illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals.”
The charges stem from a months-long federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.
Federal prosecutors are accusing Adams of accepting “illegal” campaign donations, funneled through a straw donor scheme, and accepting luxurious benefits in exchange for wielding his power to intervene in a fire inspection at the Turkey consulate.
Adams said he was “not surprised” by the charges and denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
He declared he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City, despite current and former lawmakers calling upon him to resign.
Chuck Schumer declines to comment on indictment
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked to comment on the Eric Adams indictment.
Here’s what he didn’t have to say.
Everything you need to know about FBI probe
Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one criminal charge by federal prosecutors, making him the first mayor of the city to be charged in office, according to reports.
Adams is under federal investigation over campaign fundraising violations and foreign influence, according to the New York Times, which first reported the indictment on Wednesday night.
Graeme Massie and Rhian Lubin report:
NYC mayor Eric Adams indicted: All you need to know about FBI probe
Democrat is fighting for his political career after becoming New York City’s first mayor to be indicted while in office
Press conference to be held at 11:30 am ET
US Attorneys in Manhattan announced there will be a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET to unveil “significant public corruption charges.”
Biden met with former NYC mayor on Wednesday evening
President Joe Bide met with former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday evening for a reception at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In his remarks, the president said: “He’s not the mayor right now, but he’s still the mayor.”
His comment was met with laughter from the audience.
Just hours later, it would be revealed that the current mayor, Eric Adams, was indicted.
Sources: Two of Adams’s campaign staff ‘named in the indictment'
Two of Adams’s top campaign staff are expected to be named in the indictment against the New York City mayor, sources have told the New York Post.
Brianna Suggs, a key fundraiser during the mayor’s 2021 campaign, and his current director of Asian affairs, Winnie Greco, are expected to be named in the indictment, according to the newspaper, though it is not known whether they will be charged or just named.
The indictment is due to be unsealed later this morning, according to reports.
Investigators take Adams’ phone: lawyer
Hours after sweeping into Gracie Mansion, federal agents took Adams’ cell phone, his lawyer told the New York Times.
This is the second time in a year that federal authorities have seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of a wider investigation.
Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Adams, said in a statement: “Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again). He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court.”
He added: “They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in.”
In photos: FBI agents descend on Gracie Mansion
Adams was at the mayoral residence when news of the indictment broke
Adams was at the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, when news of the indictment broke on Wednesday evening.
His former chief of staff, Frank Carone, was seen exiting the residence just before midnight where he told reporters Adams should “absolutely not” step down.
“Just like everybody else, innocent until proven guilty, he deserves his day in court and he’ll have it,” Carone said.
ICYMI: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls on Adams to resign
Member of congress Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on New York City mayor Eric Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so amid escalating federal criminal investigations into the mayor’s administration.
Her calls for his resignation came hours before it was revealed that Adams had been criminally indicted on federal charges.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X.
Read more below.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says New York City mayor should resign
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is calling on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid escalating federal criminal investigations that have led to resignations of top members of his administration as well as growing concerns over his ability to govern
Former mayoral candidate says ‘New Yorkers deserve better’
Former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang responded to the news by saying: “New Yorkers deserve better.”
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