Mayor and Marist Alum Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Charges

Adams was indicted on federal charges following illegal ties with Turkish officials that date back as early as 2014.

Mayor Eric Adams leaving the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Manhattan on Sept. 27 after pleading not guilty to federal charges. Photo by SWinxy via Wikimedia Commons

Following many news reports, criminal speculations and luxury flights on Turkish Airlines, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges. This marks the first time in the city’s history that a current mayor has been accused of a federal crime while in office.

Prior to his involvement in city government, Adams obtained his Master’s in Public Administration from Marist College in 2006.

Mayor Adams was indicted on Sept. 25 and is facing federal charges including wire fraud and bribery. The charges stem from a years-long quid pro quo relationship between him and the Turkish government.

Adams’ affiliation with Turkey precedes his term as New York City mayor, starting as early as 2014. During his term as Brooklyn Borough President from 2013 to 2022, Adams took great interest in Brooklyn’s Turkish population. 

Much of the relationship consisted of Turkish officials, namely the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, flying Adams out to the country, providing him with lavish hotel stays, and attending Turkish events in the U.S. and Turkey. Additionally, the Turkish government financially supported Adams’ mayoral campaign.

In return, Adams used his position as mayor to meet the needs of what Turkish officials wanted done in the city to heighten their influence in New York. One of the most controversial and notable aspects in the relationship between Adams and Turkey was the request from President Ergodan to Mayor Adams to speed up the New York City Fire Department’s approval of a Turkish consulate building in Manhattan.

Dan Nigro, former FDNY commissioner, allegedly issued a tentative approval of the Turkish consulate building in light of a visit from President Ergodan after facing pressure from Adams. A Wall Street Journal article reports that after the granted approval, a Turkish official contacted Adams, calling him a “true friend of Turkey.” 

Adams also turned a blind eye to the commemoration of the Armenian genocide in 2022, as requested by Turkish officials. 

Sam Murphy ‘24, former Marist Circle Editor-in-Chief and current graduate student at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, weighed in on the controversy surrounding Eric Adams.

“It’s just so obvious that what he was doing was wrong, and to the extent that it was, just to get their building open,” said Murphy. “It’s just like, ‘What’s the point of this?’ You just embarrassed yourself in front of the whole city and ruined any potential you had to be thought of as a good mayor in hindsight. Just for a couple flights and business things.”

Adams’ ties to Turkey and the charges against him may come as a shock to some, as Adams is a proud former NYPD police officer and has played up his image as a native New Yorker with a humble upbringing.

“Obviously, it’s unprecedented, it’s unique, it’s not something you’d expect to happen. It’s ironic because he was this mayor that promoted himself as ‘I know the line,’ and ‘I know not to do crime’ and ‘I’m going to make the city safe,’ and then there’s all this stuff about him not knowing where the line is, which is what a lot of the commentary has been,” said Murphy.

In a recent survey from the Marist Poll, 69% of New Yorkers believe that Adams should resign as mayor immediately, whereas 30% think that he should serve out the rest of his term. Additionally, 81% do not think that Adams should run for re-election in 2025, and 18% want to see his name on the mayoral ballot again.

When asked about his thoughts on whether or not Adams should resign as mayor, Murphy said, “I think, generally speaking, yes. It would most likely be better for the city to have a mayor who is not currently under the eye of the FBI. In theory, it would help city government be run a little smoother or restore a little bit of people’s faith in city government.”

According to the Marist Poll, this is the general consensus among many New Yorkers. The case against Adams is still in the works, and it is possible that more charges may be brought upon him as the investigation furthers.

The indictment of Adams marks an unfortunate feat in the legacy of New York City politics. As the charges against him become finalized and a court date is set, New Yorkers will have to muddle through the chaos that currently surrounds city government.