New York mayor Eric Adams faces calls to resign after indictment and dawn raid

New York City Mayor Eric Adams found himself under increasing pressure to step down on Thursday after federal agents executed an early morning search at his home in Manhattan. This move came after news surfaced that a federal grand jury had charged him with corruption.

Early Thursday morning, federal agents raided Adams's official home in an unexpected development, signaling the conclusion of a lengthy corruption probe. This investigation centered on allegations that the mayor and possibly others conspired with the Turkish government and potentially other nations to illicitly divert foreign funds into his campaign.

The raid at Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side started around 6 am, just a few hours before the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with FBI agents and officials from the city's Department of Investigation, were set to reveal federal charges against Adams and make the indictment public.

According to the news radio station 1010 Wins, it is likely that Adams is facing charges related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The New York Times has also noted that officials are looking into Adams's connections with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

In early November 2023, a news source, referencing a search warrant, revealed that federal officials were looking into whether Adams's 2021 campaign had accepted unlawful contributions, which may have included funds from the Turkish government.

Adams, a Democrat, is set to become the first of the city's 110 mayors to face criminal charges while serving in his role. He stated that he anticipates federal charges and insists he is innocent. According to him, any charges brought against him would be completely untrue and founded on falsehoods. He committed to staying in his position while contesting the allegations.

Before Adam's indictment on Wednesday, some members of the progressive faction within the Democratic Party, including Bronx representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged him to step down from his position.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed that following the departure of multiple city officials, such as the police commissioner, she finds it hard to believe that Mayor Adams can effectively lead New York City any longer.

"For the benefit of the city, he ought to step down," Ocasio-Cortez stated.

On Wednesday, New York's comptroller, Brad Lander, expressed that it was a "sad day for New Yorkers" following the announcement of the indictment. He indicated that the best course of action would be for Adams to step down.

The city’s financial management leader, who intends to challenge Adams in the 2025 elections, stated that Adams should be presumed innocent. However, he noted, “It’s evident that addressing serious federal allegations will demand a considerable amount of the time and focus essential for effectively running this wonderful city.”

Scott Stringer, the Manhattan borough president and a candidate for mayor, stated that the current mayor ought to resign, allowing other leaders to concentrate on the city’s important matters.

Stringer stated, "His struggle isn't our struggle."

However, some city council members had varying opinions. Oswald Feliz mentioned that he wasn't ready to demand Adams resign just yet.

Brooklyn progressive Chi Ossé stated, “Corrupt cop Eric Adams should step down. What began as an investigation into corruption in his campaign has now sidelined half of the leadership. I won't sugarcoat it – they seem guilty.”

"What's even more critical is that there doesn't seem to be anyone leading our city at the moment. Our schools, healthcare system, and police force lack direction. With a population of 9 million, this city urgently needs someone to take charge."

Members of the city council, such as Tiffany Cabán, Alexa Avilés, Shekar Krishnan, Lincoln Restler, Chris Banks, and Bob Holden, have urged Adams to step down from his position.

If Adams is removed from his position, the city's public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would step in as mayor and would have to call for an election within 80 days.

The charges come at a time when the city is bustling with international diplomats attending the UN general assembly, some of whom Adams may have interacted with.

Just before the announcement, Adams attended a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where Joe Biden and Jill Biden were also present and delivered speeches. However, Adams did not speak to the audience.

New York City Hall has experienced significant turmoil over the last month. Police Commissioner Edward Caban stepped down earlier this month after FBI agents confiscated his phone. Shortly after, the chief legal advisor to Mayor Adams also resigned, stating that she could no longer fulfill her responsibilities in the role.

This week, David Banks, the chancellor of the city's public schools, announced that he would step down at the end of the year. His phone had already been taken.

The only elected official in New York who can remove Adams from office is Governor Kathy Hochul, and she has not yet made any statements regarding the situation.