Eric Adams denies any wrongdoing in chaotic news conference after corruption indictment: Live

Mayor Eric Adams smiled through an extremely chaotic press conference on Thursday morning and he and his allies tried to speak while protesters shouted at him and interrupted.

Protesters screamed “disgrace” and “resign” at Adams as he attempted to declare his innocence.

His allies, who spoke in defense of Adams, shouted into a microphone, asking the protesters to “shut up” and stop screaming at them.

Mayor Eric Adams said he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City despite being indicted on five federal criminal charges on Wednesday evening.

In a press conference, Adams said “expected” the charges and was “not surprised.”

Mayor Eric Adams allegedly accepted luxurious benefits from at least one Turkish government official, federal prosecutors allege.

The mayor also allegedly accepted luxury travel benefits from wealthy foreigners and sought to conceal them.

The federal indictment against Adams accuses him of accepting “straw” donations, or illegal campaign contributions.

Federal prosecutors allege nationals gave Adams contributions with money that was given to them by other foreign individuals.

“Adams increased his fundraising by accepting these concealed, illegal donations – at he costs of giving his secret patrons the undue influence over him that the law tries to prevent,” federal prosecutors said

Eric Adams was charged with four federal crimes associated with his solicitation and acceptance of illegal campaign contributions.

In a federal indictment, unsealed on Thursday, prosecutors charged Adams with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bribery, and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national

The charges, stemming from an investigation into Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked to comment on the Eric Adams indictment.

Here’s what he didn’t have to say.

Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one criminal charge by federal prosecutors, making him the first mayor of the city to be charged in office, according to reports.

Adams is under federal investigation over campaign fundraising violations and foreign influence, according to the New York Times, which first reported the indictment on Wednesday night.

Graeme Massie and Rhian Lubin report:

US Attorneys in Manhattan announced there will be a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET to unveil “significant public corruption charges.”

President Joe Bide met with former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday evening for a reception at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In his remarks, the president said: “He’s not the mayor right now, but he’s still the mayor.”

His comment was met with laughter from the audience.

Just hours later, it would be revealed that the current mayor, Eric Adams, was indicted.