New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted, according to multiple reports.
The New York Times reports that the indictment, which is apparently related to a federal corruption investigation, is under seal.
By Wednesday night, Scripps News had not yet independently verified any of the reported charges.
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Adams released a recorded video to the media Wednesday night, saying he believes the federal government intends to charge him with crimes.
"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, I would become a target," Adams said. "I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If I'm charged, I know I am innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth."
The defiant Adams said he doesn't plan to step down.
"Make no mistake: you elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will," he said.
In early November 2023 reports of federal investigations into the Adams administration started to surface after FBI agents conducted a raid on a Brooklyn home where Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, lived.
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Days later, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation seized multiple devices from Adams amid a federal investigation into campaign fundraising, marking a significant escalation in the probe.
Police Commissioner Edward Caban announced his resignation earlier this month, saying he made the decision to resign after the “news around recent developments” had “created a distraction for our department.”
Before entering politics, Adams spent 22 years in New York City’s police department. He was elected mayor in 2021.
