New York’s embattled Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court on Friday to face multiple fraud and bribery charges that have shocked the city.

Prosecutors allege that he engaged in wire fraud, solicited illegal campaign donations, and conspired to accept bribes from Turkish citizens and at least one Turkish official.

The allegations have sparked calls for his resignation, but Adams remains defiant, expressing his eagerness to defend himself and urging New Yorkers to “wait to hear our side of the story.”

Accompanied by aides, the 64-year-old mayor entered the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Friday morning, making no remarks to the press but offering a thumbs-up.

US District Attorney Damian Williams outlined the charges on Thursday, stating that the mayor had been “secretly showered” with gifts for years.

“The conduct alleged in the indictment—foreign and corporate money, years of concealment—is a serious breach of the public’s trust,” Williams told reporters.

The 57-page indictment details alleged crimes dating back a decade, when Adams was serving as Brooklyn’s borough president. It accuses him of accepting luxury international flights, hotel accommodations, and high-end meals from Turkish associates in exchange for favors.

One specific allegation involves Adams reportedly pressuring the city’s fire department to approve a new high-rise Turkish consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.

“The Turkish official got what he wanted, and just four days after Adams held up his end of the deal, he began soliciting more travel benefits,” Williams explained.

Adams has faced mounting scandal in recent months, with several high-ranking allies resigning and others indicted or subjected to federal raids. The situation escalated with a pre-dawn raid on his official residence early Thursday.

Some city and state officials, including influential Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have called for his resignation, stating he must step down “for the good of the city.”

The indictment poses a potential embarrassment for Democrats just weeks before the presidential election, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump polling closely.

Adams, the city’s second Black mayor, won the 2021 Democratic primary with a promise to reduce crime, which had increased during the COVID pandemic. However, New York City, with a population of 8.5 million, is currently facing a housing crisis marked by soaring rents. Adams is up for reelection next year.