Following numerous federal raids of the homes of several members of Mayor Adams' administrations in recent months, the federal government has brought charges against the New York City mayor. They allege the mayor took part in a long running corruption scheme. Adams faces bribery, wire fraud and other charges in an indictment unsealed by prosecutors in New York Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Damien Williams says Mayor Adams knowingly accepted illegal campaign contributions for years and he also was given more than 100-thousand dollars in undisclosed travel gifts from foreign businessmen and a Turkish government official seeking to buy Adams' influence.
"In exchange for some of those improper benefits, he intervened in the New York City fire department's inspection process for a building owned and operated by the Turkish government, allowing it to open even though it had not passed the fire inspection."
Williams alleges Adams tried covering up the undisclosed gifts.
Adams insists he's innocent and vows to the fight the charges and remain in office. He says he will request the trial start as soon as possible.
"From here my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. My day to day will not change."
Hours before the indictment announcement, federal agents raided the home of Mayor Adams on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Numerous local politicians have called on Adams to resign. Governor Hochul has remained quiet since the charges were announced. She has the power to potentially remove him from office.