Mayor Eric Adams told The Post he has become a target and will fight to prove his innocence after he reportedly became the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted on Wednesday.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said in a statement to The Post.
“If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
In a video statement released later on Wednesday, Adams reiterated that he was being targeted.
“For months, leaks and rumors have been aimed at me in an attempt to undermine my credibility and paint me as guilty. Just this past week, they searched the home of our new police commissioner looking for documents from 20 years ago, just one week after he join my administration,” Adams said.
“Enough. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If I’m charged, I know I am innocent.”
“I will request in immediate trials so the New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting justice my entire life.”
A defiant Adams also said the message that he is not stepping down if charged.
“I put the people of New York before party and politics. Now, If I am charged, many may say I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case,” he said.
“Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city and lead it, I will.”
Adams and his administration have been at the center of a federal probe, leading to Thursday’s historic indictment.
This is a developing story. Check back for more information