New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal charges that are still sealed. “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 that implied he hadn't been informed of the indictment. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to manage the city while he fights the charges, but he vowed to stay in office. “I have been facing these lies for months ... yet the city has continued to improve," Adams said. "Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will.” It was not immediately clear when the charges would be made public or when Adams might have to appear in court. The indictment Wednesday night marks a stunning fall for Adams, a Democrat who won election nearly three years ago to become the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city. For much of the last year, Adams has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations into top advisers producing a drumbeat of subpoenas, searches and high-level departures.