New York City Mayor Eric Adams has arrived at Manhattan federal court for his arraignment on multiple charges, including bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contributions from a foreign national, and conspiracy. This marks a historic moment, as Adams is the first sitting mayor in the city’s modern history to face federal criminal charges.

The indictment, unveiled by U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of New York, includes five counts accusing Adams of seeking and accepting illegal campaign contributions for his 2021 mayoral campaign. The investigation reportedly focused on his connections with Turkish government officials and nationals, alleging that he accepted campaign donations through a straw donor scheme and received luxurious benefits in exchange for intervening in a fire inspection at the Turkish consulate.

Adams has publicly stated he is “not surprised” by the charges and firmly denies any wrongdoing. He has also affirmed his intention to remain in office, despite calls from current and former lawmakers for him to resign. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Adams’s administration and New York City politics will be closely monitored.