USA Charges filed against New York Mayor Eric Adams

Charges have been brought against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The 64-year-old Democrat is accused of bribery, fraud and illegal financing of election campaigns, among other things, according to the public prosecutor's office in the US metropolis. According to US media reports, this is the first indictment for federal crimes against an incumbent mayor of the metropolis of millions.

Adams had already addressed the impending charges in statements the previous evening and described any accusations as "completely false and based on lies". He said he was "innocent" and would fight the allegations "with every ounce of my strength and spirit". He had always known that he himself could become a target if he stood up for the citizens of New York.

The former police officer has been New York City Hall boss since January 2022, but has not been able to achieve much so far. Recently, his city government has been particularly turbulent: several of Adams' employees are under investigation for various allegations and there have been numerous resignations. Adams' popularity ratings plummeted and calls for his resignation became ever louder, most recently even from within his own ranks. "I cannot see how Mayor Adams can continue to govern New York City," wrote MP Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez on X even before the official announcement of the charges. "For the good of the city, he should resign."

SDA