New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources

U.S. Attorney Damien Williams remarked that Adams was involved in “long-running” corruption that stretches back nearly a decade. The investigation is still active, and more individuals are expected to be held responsible.

In response, Adams stated he would not step down and promised to continue fulfilling his role as mayor. Surrounded by prominent Black clergy and community leaders, he urged New Yorkers to refrain from passing judgment until he presents his defense.

The White House dismissed Adams' claims that he was being targeted because of his disputes with President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, stressing the Justice Department’s independence.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams from office, told reporters on Thursday that she had not yet reviewed the indictment but planned to do so before offering a more detailed response to the charges.

If Adams were to step down, Jumaane Williams, the city's public advocate, would immediately take his place. In a statement on Thursday, Williams did not explicitly call for Adams' resignation but said, “It is federal officials’ obligation to prove their case, it is the mayor’s obligation to prove to New Yorkers that there is a real plan and path to govern the city effectively and regain trust, and his time to show that plan is rapidly running out.”

In the last two weeks alone, the leaders Adams appointed to oversee the country’s largest police force and largest schools system have announced their resignations.

Democratic Leader Rep Hakeem Jeffries commented on the indictment, “Like every other New Yorker and American, Eric Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence. That principle is central to the administration of justice in the United States of America,” Jeffries said in a statement. “A jury of the Mayor’s peers will now evaluate the charges in the indictment and ultimately render a determination. In the meantime, I pray for the well-being of our great City.”

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.