Adams responds to indictment: 'If I am charged, I am innocent'

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal criminal charges, sources told PIX11 News Wednesday.

Adams has been under federal investigation related to fundraising during his 2021 mayoral campaign. The charges against Adams are still sealed.

The indictment follows a tumultuous month at City Hall marked by federal investigations and a slew of resignations from top city officials, including Adams’ chief legal counsel, the NYPD commissioner, the health commissioner, and the chancellor of New York City’s public schools.

Adams released a statement following the indictment: “I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers I would be a target—and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

Adams released a video, claiming the charges are "entirely false" and "based on lies."

"It is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes. If so, these charges would be entirely false based on lies. For months, leaks and rumors have been aimed at me to undermine my credibility and paint me as guilty."

Adams continued, saying if he is charged, he will request an immediate trial.

"I have been fighting injustice my entire life. That fight has continued as your mayor. I put the people of New York before party and politics. Now, if I am charged, many may say I should resign as I cannot manage the city while fighting the case. I can also understand how many New Yorkers will be concerned that I cannot do my job as I face accusations but I have been facing these lies for months. Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city and lead it I will."

Calls for Adams to resign are mounting following the indictment. Among officials calling for Adams to step down are New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.