New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly facing federal charges.
On Wednesday (September 25), news broke that Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury. It's unclear what charges Adams faces as they remained sealed as of Thursday (September 26) morning.
The charges mark the first time a New York City mayor has been indicted while in office.
"I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target - and a target I became," Adams said in a statement, implying he hadn't been informed of the indictment. "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
The mayor vowed to stay in office while he fights the charges.
"I have been facing these lies for months ... yet the city has continued to improve," Adams said. "Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will."
The indictment comes after nearly a year of federal investigations involving Adams and members of his inner circle. Adams' cell phones were seized and the residences of some of his close allies were searched by federal agents working on corruption probes.
Calls for Adams' resignation have grown in the immediate aftermath of news of his federal indictment.
If the mayor were to resign, Adams would be replaced by city public advocate Jumaane Williams. Williams would then be tasked with scheduling a special election to decide Adams' successor.
Williams would need to set a date for the special election at least 80 days from any takeover, according to the city charter. The special election would also need to occur at least 90 days before the set primary election date of June 24, 2025, making March 26, 2025 the latest possible date.
In a special election, candidates would simply appear as a list of names without party affiliations. Voters would rank their choice of candidates through the new "ranked-choice voting system."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also has the power to remove Adams from office before his term is up.
A spokesperson for Hochul said she's aware of the "concerning news reports, but "it would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement."
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