NYC Mayor Eric Adams Reveals Why He Believes He’s Ensnared in Federal Corruption Investigation
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has become the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face criminal charges.
The indictment, which remains sealed, comes after months of federal corruption probes into campaign finances and alleged kickback schemes involving top officials.
Adams, 64, responded to the indictment with a defiant two-minute video statement recorded at Gracie Mansion.
In his address, the Democratic mayor painted himself as a victim of political persecution, claiming he was singled out by the Biden administration due to his stance on the ongoing migrant crisis.
“It is now my belief that the federal government is attempting to charge me with crimes,” Adams stated. “If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies.”
The mayor went on to assert that he “always knew” he would become a target because of his views, particularly his criticism of the federal government’s handling of the migrant situation.
The mayor’s indictment follows a series of federal raids and investigations targeting his administration.
Daily Mail reported that in November, federal agents seized Adams’ phones and iPad.
More recently, raids were conducted on the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
Adams has been vocal in his criticism of the federal government’s response to the migrant crisis, which has seen over 217,300 foreigners arrive in New York City.
The mayor claims that despite his pleas, “the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system.”
The political newcomer, who campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, emphasized his law enforcement background in his response to the indictment.
“New Yorkers know my story and know where I come from,” the former police captain said. “I have been fighting injustices my entire life.”
Daily Mail noted that as the city grapples with the financial strain of the migrant crisis, estimated to cost up to $12 billion if it continues, Adams has faced mounting pressure.
His relationship with the Democratic establishment has also shown signs of strain, as evidenced by his absence from a speaking role at the recent Democratic National Convention.
The mayor’s stance on sanctuary cities has evolved dramatically since his campaign days.
Initially welcoming migrants as essential workers who kept the city running during the pandemic, Adams later shifted to discouraging newcomers and pleading for federal assistance.
Despite calls for his resignation, including from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adams remains defiant. “You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will,” he declared in his video statement.
The news of the indictment has sparked widespread debate and concern for the city, especially considering public advocate Jumaane Williams would become the acting Mayor if Adams were to step down, per The New York Times.
One X user highlighted how harmful Williams as acting Mayor would be on the city, calling the public advocate and reported Black Lives Matter activist a “piece of sh*t socialist.”
“Hope you’re ready for some REAL Communism, New York City!” he continued.
“We’re about to get a dry run of a Harris-Walz presidency!”
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