In a stunning development, the mayor of America's largest city was indicted this week on federal corruption charges. 

According to the Associated Press, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stands accused of selling influence to foreign nationals.

Prosecutors say Adams accept bribes from Turkish sources

Federal prosecutors say that the Democratic official accepted campaign donations along with expensive overseas trips from Turkish figures.

They are alleged to have included free and heavily discounted upgrades on flights which are estimated to have been valued at $100,000.

In return, Adams reportedly took actions which were favorable to Turkey's government, such as expediting the fire safety inspection at its consulate and not commemorating Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

"I want to be clear, these upgrades and freebies were not part of some frequent flyer or benefits program available to the general public," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams was quoted as saying at a news conference.

Williams instead maintained that Adams' conduct was part of "a multiyear scheme to buy favor from a single New York City official on the rise."

AOC calls on Adams to step down

News of the mayor's indictment brought condemnation from some of Adams' fellow Democrats, including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City," the congresswoman declared in a social media post put up on Wednesday.

I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.

The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.

For the good of the city, he should resign.…

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 25, 2024

"The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening [government functions]. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration," she continued before adding, "For the good of the city, he should resign."

Mayor suggests that indictment is politically motivated

Adams has repeatedly clashed with the Biden administration over the influx of migrants into New York City, and he suggested in a statement that the indictment is politically motivated.

"I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became," PBS quoted him as saying.

The mayor and former police officer then went on to promise that he "will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit."