Current:Home > NewsFBI seizes NYC mayor’s phone ahead of expected unsealing of indictment-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
FBI seizes NYC mayor’s phone ahead of expected unsealing of indictment
View Date:2024-12-23 16:17:42
NEW YORK (AP) — FBI agents entered the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and seized his phone early Thursday morning, hours before an indictment detailing criminal charges against the Democrat was expected to be made public.
Adams was indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges that remain sealed, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
“Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again),” Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, said in a statement, adding that the mayor had not been arrested. “They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in.”
Federal law enforcement agents were seen entering the mayor’s Manhattan residence at dawn Wednesday, with several vehicles bearing federal law enforcement placards parked outside.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan has declined to comment on the investigation. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment. A spokesperson for the mayor did not immediately respond to questions Thursday morning.
In a video speech released Wednesday night, Adams vowed to fights any charges against him, claiming he had been made a “target” in a case “based on lies.”
“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit,” he said.
It was not immediately clear what laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he might have to appear in court.
The indictment caps off an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have honed in on members of Adams’ inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations.
Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments.
In the last two weeks alone, the city’s police commissioner and head of the school’s system have announced their resignations.
FBI agents had seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams’ interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters.
In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidantes both in and out of City Hall.
All have denied wrongdoing.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Eminem, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, N.W.A. and Janet Jackson get Songwriters Hall of Fame nods
- Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in Talks to Star in New Romance Movie
- Elon Musk sues OpenAI, renewing claims ChatGPT-maker put profits before ‘the benefit of humanity’
- Family of 4 from Texas missing after boat capsizes in Alaska, report says
- Climate Advocacy Groups Say They’re Ready for Trump 2.0
- 2024 Olympics: Gymnast Carlos Yulo Wins Condo, Colonoscopies and Free Ramen for Life After Gold Medal
- Two hikers reported missing in Yosemite National Park after going on day hike Saturday
- Houston mom charged with murder in baby son's hot car death; grandma says it's a mistake
- Judge recuses himself in Arizona fake elector case after urging response to attacks on Kamala Harris
- Horoscopes Today, August 6, 2024
Ranking
- GM recalls 460k cars for rear wheel lock-up: Affected models include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac
- Lionel Richie Reacts to Carrie Underwood Joining Him and Luke Bryan on American Idol
- Cystic acne can cause pain, shame and lasting scars. Here's what causes it.
- 'Don't panic': What to do when the stock market sinks like a stone
- Man killed by police in Minnesota was being sought in death of his pregnant wife
- T.I. arrested over case of mistaken identity, quickly released
- Officials probe cause of wildfire that sent residents fleeing in San Bernardino
- Mondo Duplantis sets pole vault world record on final attempt - after already winning gold
Recommendation
-
Singles' Day vs. Black Friday: Which Has the Best Deals for Smart Shoppers?
-
Watch as walking catfish washes up in Florida driveway as Hurricane Debby approached
-
2024 Olympics: Simone Biles Details Why She’s Wearing a Boot After Gymnastics Run
-
Fighting for the Native Forest of the Gran Chaco in Argentina
-
King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
-
Secretaries of state urge Elon Musk to fix AI chatbot spreading election misinformation on X
-
Swollen ankles are a common problem. From compression socks to elevation, here's how to get rid of them.
-
One Extraordinary (Olympic) Photo: Lee Jin-man captures diver at the center of the Olympic rings