Correction & clarification: An earlier version of this article inaccurately stated several details related to the indictment and the positions of some Democrats regarding New York Mayor Eric Adams.

Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has been charged with five federal offenses, including bribery, fraud, and soliciting unauthorized foreign campaign contributions. He is the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face such legal action.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York unsealed a 57-page indictment on Thursday, stating that Adams received travel benefits exceeding $100,000 to foreign nations, going back to 2014 when he was Brooklyn’s borough president. During his mayoral campaign in 2021, he reportedly sought contributions from foreign entities, including from Turkey.

“Federal law explicitly prohibits foreign donations,” remarked Damian Williams, the lead prosecutor in the case, at a press conference on Thursday. “This is essential to safeguarding our elections from outside interference.”

The charges against Adams include claims of pressuring the fire department to greenlight the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan despite safety risks and utilizing “straw donations” to mask illegal contributions, resulting in $10 million of public funds misappropriated. In a video posted Wednesday night, Adams vigorously denied the allegations, calling them “completely false.”

“I always realized that standing firm for all of you would make me a target – and indeed, I became one,” he stated.

The critical issue now is whether Adams will resign, be removed by Governor Kathy Hochul, or stay in his position. If Adams genuinely cares about New York City, resigning is his only viable choice. At a time filled with national political instability, the city requires steady leadership, which Adams cannot provide as he grapples with these serious allegations.

Eric Adams’ indictment adds to his growing legal troubles

The indictment follows the resignation of four officials from the Adams administration amid ongoing investigations.

This week, NYC Public Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his resignation effective at the end of the year, following the confiscation of his phones in the FBI inquiry. Earlier in the month, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban had his home searched and resigned shortly after the seizure of his mobile device during the corruption investigation. Additionally, the health commissioner and Adams’ chief counsel also resigned recently.

This isn’t the first instance where Adams or his close associates have faced FBI scrutiny. Last November, the FBI took possession of the mayor’s electronic devices.

That same month, federal agents also raided the residence of one of his key fundraisers.

Pressure mounts for Adams to resign

New York City is my home and workplace, where I share life with 8.8 million fellow residents. While the investigation into Adams might not affect our everyday lives directly, the changes within his administration and the charges against him raise significant worries. We deserve a government free from corruption and instability, which is impossible while Adams and his team are under investigation.

I’m not alone in my sentiments; city council members and several state representatives have called for his resignation.

One of the most notable figures advocating for Adams’ resignation is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who has long been critical of the mayor.

“The ongoing resignations and vacancies are jeopardizing the government’s functionality,” Ocasio-Cortez stated to The New York Times prior to the indictment. “Continuous investigations will hinder our ability to attract and maintain a competent administration.”

Several influential New York Democrats could escalate the pressure for Adams to resign, particularly with the election year approaching. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have expressed their unease but have stopped short of demanding the mayor’s departure.

Governor Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams from office, has indicated that she’s considering her options. However, the most sensible course of action would be for Adams to resign voluntarily.

It’s crucial to remember that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, the legal challenges Adams faces will detract from his official responsibilities, and with a crumbling administration and recent resignations, the situation appears increasingly unstable.

“Currently, no one is steering our city,” council member Chi Ossé said in a video. “Leadership in areas like education, health, and policing is lacking.”

Ossé is correct: the residents of New York deserve a government that operates smoothly. The only way to ensure that is for Adams to vacate his position.