Eric Adams Arraignment: NYC Mayor Arrives At Court To Appear Before Judge

After being fingerprinted and having his mugshot taken, New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court on Friday for his arraignment on five federal charges, one day after the indictment was unsealed.
Adams was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals; one count of wire fraud; two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and one count of bribery on Thursday. He is the first sitting mayor in New York City’s history to face criminal charges.
“As Adams’ prominence and power grew, his foreign-national benefactors sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with him, particularly when, in 2021, it became clear that Adams would become New York City’s mayor,” the 57-page indictment claims.
The mayor appeared at noon before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker. He looked straight ahead at the judge. He also looked at the jury box and the sketch artist.
Adams had his mugshot and fingerprints taken.
Prosecutors accused Adams of accepting over $100,000 in undisclosed gifts such as luxury travel and hotel stays from Turkish businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
“This was a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise, Eric Adams,” United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said at a press conference on Thursday.
The mayor allegedly traveled to India, France, Turkey, Sri Lanka, China, Hungary and Pakistan at free and discounted rates.
The indictment also alleged that Adams’ campaign obtained donations through “straw” donors, individuals who claimed to donate their own money but were actually funded by wealthy businessmen. Prosecutors said this was done to circumvent the cap placed on how much money one person can donate.
“We allege that Mayor Adams abused that privilege and broke the law, laws that are designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder and certainly not a foreign power,” Williams said. “These are bright red lines, and we allege that the mayor crossed them again and again for years.”
Adams reacted to the charges at a press conference earlier that day.
“We are not surprised,” Adams said. “We expected this. This is not surprising to us at all, the actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing.”
Multiple politicians have called on Adams to resign, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”
City Council Member Linda Lee also called on Adams to resign “immediately,” calling him “unfit to serve.”
“Everyday New Yorkers should not have to concern themselves with this type of uncertainty and chaos we are seeing from City Hall,” Lee said on X.
Adams said he plans to continue serving as mayor, resisting the calls to resign.
“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams said. “My day to day will not change.”
If Adams chose to resign, a special election would be held and Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate, would serve as acting mayor in the interim.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office.
Hochul released a statement on Adams’ indictment on Thursday.
“I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers,” Hochul said.
The statement did not indicate whether or not Hochul plans to move forward with Adams’ removal.
“My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City,” Hochul said. “While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.”
A trial or conviction is not required in order for Hochul to remove the mayor.
Adams was elected to the mayor’s office in 2021. Prior to that, he served as the Brooklyn borough president.
Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected]