NYC Mayor Eric Adams Addresses His Indictment in Federal Corruption Investigation, Says Charges Are ‘Entirely False' and 'Based on Lies'

New York City mayor Eric Adams has been indicated amid an ongoing federal corruption investigation into foreign influence and campaign fundraising violations.

Adams is facing at least one federal criminal charge, multiple sources familiar with the matter tell CNN. As of this writing, it is currently unknown what exactly Adams has been charged with, as the indictment is sealed.

According to sources familiar with the case, CNN reports that the mayor is expected to have a few days to surrender.

In the wake of the indictment, the 64-year-old released the following video statement in which he called the undisclosed charges "entirely false, based on lies."

"My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes," he said. "If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But, they would not be surprising."

Adams continued, "I always knew that If I stood my ground for all of you that I would be a target—and a target I became. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit."

According to New York Times reporter William Rashbaum, the indictment stems from an alleged scheme involving Adams and people associated with the Turkish government in which the then-Brooklyn borough president received illegal donations in exchange for pushing the Fire Department to approve of a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.

The first indication that Adams and those close to him were under federal investigation appeared to be in Nov. 2023 when FBI agents seized Adams' cellphones and iPad, as reported by the Associated Press.

Over the last two weeks, New York City police commissioner Edward Caban, school chancellor David Banks, and health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan each announced their resignation. While Vasan stated his decision had nothing to do with the investigation, Caban's home was raided and Banks' phones were also seized.

Adams has refused to step down as others, including U.S. congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have demanded that he resign.

Adams becomes the first New York City mayor to be charged while in office.

If Adams does choose to resign, New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams will serve as acting mayor.

The indictment of Adams comes amid a federal indictment charging Sean "Diddy" Combs with sex trafficking and racketeering. The disgraced Bad Boy Records owner had to return the key to the city of New York, which was given to him by Adams, who condemned Diddy's abuse of his ex-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, as seen in video footage that surfaced in May.

In a letter obtained by TMZ, Adams, who asked that the key be returned, wrote that he was "deeply disturbed" by the video.