The FBI has conducted searches at the homes of two top deputies to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, marking the latest development in a probe that has sent shockwaves through City Hall. The homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks were raided as part of a broader investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, according to sources familiar with the matter.
On Wednesday morning, FBI agents executed search warrants at Wright's residence in Hamilton Heights and Banks' home in Hollis, Queens. The federal agents seized electronic devices, including cell phones, as part of their ongoing investigation. Although no charges have been filed yet, the raids have intensified the scrutiny on Mayor Adams' administration, which has already been under investigation for various other matters.
The search warrants and subsequent seizures also extended to New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban, as well as Tim Pearson, a close adviser to Mayor Adams. Caban, along with three other high-ranking NYPD officials, complied with federal subpoenas by handing over their cell phones to investigators. This marks a significant escalation in the investigation, given the powerful positions these individuals hold within New York City's government.
"The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation," an NYPD spokesperson said, directing further inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which has so far declined to comment on the matter.
Mayor Adams, who is up for re-election next year, addressed the situation with a carefully worded statement, emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law. "I have been clear that my message throughout my public life is to follow the law, and that's what we're doing and we're going to comply with whatever inquiry, with whatever we have to submit while this review takes place," Adams said, offering no further details about the nature of the investigation.
The raids have added to the challenges facing Mayor Adams as he prepares for a re-election campaign. His administration has already been under a cloud of suspicion due to previous investigations, including a probe into campaign fundraising activities. The latest developments could further complicate his bid for a second term, as rivals have already seized on the issue to criticize his leadership.
Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is likely to challenge Adams in the upcoming Democratic primary, was quick to pounce on the news. "Eric Adams ran on curbing chaos and disorder, yet there is nothing more chaotic than a mayor distracted by his inner circle getting raided by the feds," Stringer said, adding that Adams' ability to govern effectively is being undermined by the controversies surrounding his administration.
Progressive groups have also joined the chorus of criticism, with the New York Working Families Party issuing a statement condemning the mayor's administration. "Under Adams, the people of New York are sandwiched between a constant stream of budget cuts and FBI raids," said Co-Directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana María Archila. "Today's news is the latest example of the Eric Adams administration's questionable morals and values. We deserve better. We can do better."
The involvement of Phil Banks, in particular, has drawn attention due to his previous entanglement in a federal investigation into NYPD corruption. In 2014, Banks was named an unindicted co-conspirator in that probe but was never charged. His current position as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety makes him a central figure in Mayor Adams' administration, and the federal scrutiny he now faces could have significant ramifications.
This latest wave of FBI activity follows earlier raids targeting other members of Adams' team, including his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, and his international affairs aide, Rana Abbasova. The cumulative effect of these investigations is painting a troubling picture of an administration besieged by legal challenges and raising questions about the mayor's judgment in assembling his inner circle.
