FBI agents raided Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, early Thursday morning in a predawn raid hours before a federal indictment on campaign corruption charges against the mayor became public.
Federal agents stormed Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, early Thursday morning, executing a predawn raid hours before a federal indictment on campaign corruption charges against the mayor became public.
According to federal prosecutors, the 64-year-old Adams illegally received foreign and corporate campaign donations for a decade in exchange for influence. In response, Adams released a video statement vehemently denying the charges, labeling them "entirely false, based on lies," and insinuating that he became a target of retaliation for his criticism of the Biden administration's border policies.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
"The federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief," he said. "I put the people of New York before party and politics."
Sources revealed that agents seized Adams' phone during the morning raid, though his whereabouts at the time are unknown. His attorney, Alex Spiro, confirmed that Adams was not arrested.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
The alleged fraud reportedly diverted more public funding to Adams' campaign under a program that provided matching grants of up to $2,000 for small-dollar donations supported by taxpayers. Court documents indicate that a single $250 donation could trigger up to $2,000 in "matching funds" from taxpayers. Adams allegedly received $10 million through this scheme.
In addition to campaign contributions, Adams allegedly enjoyed perks such as free Turkish Airlines flights to various destinations in Europe and Asia, complimentary hotel stays, and lavish meals. In one instance, he reportedly inquired about flying to Easter Island on a Turkish jet but was unable to do so due to the lack of a direct route.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, denounced the alleged cover-up as "just a clumsy cover-up."
Court documents allege a longstanding history of corruption, with Adams allegedly accepting luxurious travel perks in secret as early as 2016. He allegedly embarked on a series of free or "heavily discounted" trips overseas, including visits to India, France, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and China. The indictment claims that he and his entourage paid around $2,300 for flights that should have cost $66,000, often taking roundabout routes to save money.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
Federal prosecutors allege that Adams received free yacht rides, luxury car transportation, and complimentary stays at upscale hotels like the Four Seasons and St. Regis. He allegedly failed to disclose these trips and perks on annual disclosure forms.
An Adams staffer reportedly resisted a Turkish national's attempt to donate through an American straw-donor of Turkish descent, expressing concern about "a big stink later on." The staffer later discussed the logistics of a $100,000 donation, according to the indictment.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
David Gelman, a legal surrogate for the Trump campaign, questioned the motivations behind the case, suggesting it could be politically motivated.
Adams denounced the federal authorities, accusing them of a pressure campaign designed to undermine his credibility and make him appear guilty. He cited recent raids on the homes of his police commissioner and former police commissioner as evidence of this alleged harassment.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
"Just this past week, they searched the home of our new police commissioner looking for documents for 20 years ago, just one week after he joined my administration," he said. "Enough. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit."
Adams maintains his innocence and has dismissed calls for his resignation.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
"Now, if I am charged, many may say I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case," he said. "I can also understand how everyday New Yorkers would be concerned that I cannot do my job while facing accusations. But I have been facing these lies for months, since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigation started, yet the city has continued to improve. Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will."
Details of the indictment are expected to be released later Thursday morning.
Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Campaign Corruption Charges
"We have no idea of the charges or accusations but Adams and his legal team have been well aware that the indictment was coming down," Gelman said. "Nobody knows if they have cooperated but if the Feds have a person in their crosshairs, they don’t miss."
Federal agents have recently conducted a series of raids targeting Adams' inner circle, including the current and former police commissioners, and other top aides in the mayor's office and his campaign. The FBI is reportedly investigating potential conspiracies between Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign, the Turkish government, and other entities. New York officials have also been probed over potential investigations into contacts with China.
The mayor is now facing one count of conspiracy to receive campaign contributions from foreign nationals and commit wire fraud and bribery, one count of wire fraud, two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, and one count of soliciting and accepting a bribe. Adams could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
