Eric Adams Arraignment: NYC Mayor Arrives At Court To Appear Before Judge

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to court on Friday for his arraignment on five federal charges, one day after the indictment was unsealed.

Adams was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals; one count of wire fraud; two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and one count of bribery on Thursday. He is the first sitting mayor in New York City’s history to face criminal charges.

“As Adams’ prominence and power grew, his foreign-national benefactors sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with him, particularly when, in 2021, it became clear that Adams would become New York City’s mayor,” the 57-page indictment claims.

The mayor is scheduled to appear at noon before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker.

Prosecutors accused Adams of accepting over $100,000 in undisclosed gifts such as luxury travel and hotel stays from Turkish businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.

“This was a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise, Eric Adams,” United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said at a press conference on Thursday.

Adams reacted to the charges at a press conference earlier that day.

“We are not surprised,” Adams said. “We expected this. This is not surprising to us at all, the actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing.”

Multiple politicians have called on Adams to resign, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”

Adams said he plans to continue serving as mayor, resisting the calls to resign.

“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams said. “My day to day will not change.”

If Adams chose to resign, a special election would be held and Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, would serve as acting mayor in the interim.

Adams was elected to the mayor’s office in 2021. Prior to that, he served as the Brooklyn borough president.

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