NYC Mayor Eric Adams Evades FBI Probe Queries, Commits to Aid in Investigation

New York City Mayor Eric Adams maintained an active public appearance on Monday, yet consistently avoided inquiries regarding the ongoing FBI investigation. This investigation led to the confiscation of his phones and a search at his primary campaign fundraiser’s residence.

While attending an event at a Manhattan helipad showcasing electric air taxis, Adams, when questioned by a journalist about potential FBI seizures of other team members’ phones, responded with laughter and deflected the question, focusing on the event’s topic instead. He suggested the possibility of addressing these questions in a forthcoming news briefing on Tuesday.

Adams encountered an unexpected stop by FBI agents after a public event last week, during which they confiscated his electronic devices, including phones and an iPad. This seizure occurred shortly after the search of Briana Suggs’ home, the leading fundraiser for Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.

Reports from The New York Times and New York Post indicate the investigation partially focuses on Adams’ alleged attempts to assist the Turkish government in securing city approval for a 35-story diplomatic facility skyscraper in 2021, despite fire safety concerns. At this time, Adams held the role of Brooklyn Borough President and was the presumptive winner of the mayoral election.

The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, managing the investigation, has not issued any statements. Information from a search warrant suggests the investigation is also exploring potential conspiracy between the Adams campaign and the Turkish government for illegal foreign campaign contributions via proxy donors.

Adams, while evading direct questions, stated he has not been implicated in any misconduct, emphasizing his role in aiding constituents and agencies as Borough President. He affirmed his commitment to cooperating with the investigation.

The Turkevi Center, near the United Nations, was inaugurated on September 21, 2021, in a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This followed a rejection of the building’s fire-protection plan by the city’s Fire Department.

In response to inquiries from Turkey’s consul general regarding the building’s permit, Adams reached out to Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Investigations have since focused on Adams’ involvement in the subsequent authorization for the building’s opening.

Despite reports of numerous safety deficiencies, the city issued a temporary occupancy permit, enabling Erdogan to open the center. Efforts to seek comments from Nigro, now retired, and other involved parties have been made.

Amidst these investigations, Adams has continued his public engagements, including participating in the city’s Veterans’ Day parade. However, his last open press conference occurred before the public revelation of the FBI’s phone seizure. At that time, Adams expressed confidence in the investigation’s outcome and his surprise at any potential misconduct within his campaign, without disclosing the FBI’s actions.

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More about Eric Adams FBI Investigation

• FBI Seizes Eric Adams’ Devices
• Investigation into Turkish Skyscraper Approval
• Mayor Adams Avoids FBI Questions
• Briana Suggs’ Home Raided in Adams Probe
• Safety Concerns in Turkish Government Skyscraper Deal
• Eric Adams’ Role in Skyscraper Approval
• NYC Mayor Continues Public Appearances Amid Investigation