Eric Adams official residence searched as he faces federal indictment
by The National Desk
Thu, September 26th 2024 at 5:01 AM
Updated Thu, September 26th 2024 at 5:26 AM
FILE - New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference at City Hall, Dec. 12, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie, File)
NEW YORK (TND) — New York Mayor Eric Adams' official residence was searched early Thursday morning after being indicted by a grand jury in a corruption investigation that has also included several members of his administration, the New York Times reported.
Federal agents began to search Gracie Mansion in New York's Upper East Side around 6 a.m. on Thursday, hours before the indictment is expected to be unsealed and law enforcement officials are expected to announce the charges against Adams.
The New York Times reported roughly a dozen people arrived at the mayor's residence carrying briefcases, backpacks and duffel bags going into the grounds. One of the vehicles they traveled in had a law enforcement parking sign on its dashboard.
Adams' attorney told The Associated Press in a statement that agents also seized his phone. His electronic devices were also seized nearly a year ago in the investigation of his interactions with the Turkish government and campaign contributions.
“Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again). He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court," Adams lawyer, Alex Spiro, said in a statement. "They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in.”
Several members of his administration have resigned in recent weeks in a series of federal investigations that have now included the mayor himself. He has lost his chief counsel and police commissioner, and the leaders of his education and public health departments have announced intentions to resign.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing in the case and vowed to remain in office despite growing calls for him to resign. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove him from office but has not indicated whether she is considering doing so.
“If I am charged, I know I am innocent,” he said. “I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth.”
