New York Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges, US media reported Wednesday, following multiple probes into alleged corruption within his administration and the resignations of top officials. The exact charges in the sealed indictment were not yet clear, according to the New York Times, which added that Adams is now the first sitting New York mayor to face such charges. At least four federal probes are underway against the Democratic ex-cop, including three led by the US district court in Manhattan, investigating people in the mayor's orbit and high-ranking officials in his administration.
Declaring himself "innocent" Adams said in a statement Wednesday: "I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target -- and a target I became." He added: "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit." Details of the indictment are expected to be revealed by federal prosecutors on Thursday, according to US media, which attributed information on the indictment to sources familiar with the matter.
Adams, who is up for reelection in 2025, has put up a front of business as usual throughout the investigations. Earlier in the day, US House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on the 64-year-old mayor to resign "for the good of the city" -- the first time a national figure has publicly urged him to step down from running the United States' largest city. "The flood of resignations and vac.