Mayor Eric Adams released a videotaped speech late Wednesday8mbets, calling any federal charges against him “entirely false” and “based on lies.”

Mr. Adams, a Democrat who is running for re-election next year, stood in front of an American flag as he spoke to New Yorkers and took a somber tone. He appeared to be speaking at Gracie Mansion; it appeared that he recorded the video before he knew he had been indicted.

“If I am charged, I know I am innocent,” he said. “I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth.”

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