mayor ericed adams raided :FBI Raids Homes of Top NYC Officials Linked to Mayor Adams, NYPD Commissioner Subpoenaed
In a significant development for New York City’s political landscape, the FBI conducted searches at the homes of two top aides to Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday. The raids targeted First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, as part of an ongoing investigation. Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed the details to ABC News.
Wright’s residence in Hamilton Heights and Banks’ home in Hollis, Queens, were both searched, with federal investigators seizing evidence, including electronic devices. The investigation, which remains shrouded in secrecy, has not yet resulted in any charges.
Mayor Adams Responds to the Raids
Mayor Adams has addressed the situation through his chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, who stated, “Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation.” Zornberg reiterated the mayor’s stance on legal compliance, emphasizing that Adams, a former law enforcement officer, has consistently instructed his team to follow the law.
In a recent interview, Adams noted that the raids do not necessarily imply imminent indictments. He suggested that the situation could either lead to serious charges or prove to be unfounded. “There’s either where there’s smoke, there’s fire and indictments will follow, or this is totally baseless and the criminal justice system is being weaponized against you,” Adams said.
Federal Investigation Expands
The FBI’s actions are part of a broader investigation that has also seen the issuance of subpoenas to NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, a close advisor to Adams. The subpoenas required them to turn over their cell phones. Four high-ranking NYPD officials, including Caban, received similar subpoenas and have complied, turning over their devices.
The investigation has previously led to searches at the homes of several other city officials, including Brianna Suggs, Adams’ top fundraiser, Rana Abbasova, his international affairs aide, and Winnie Greco, a special adviser to the mayor.
Background and Context
Philip Banks, who was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a prior federal investigation into NYPD corruption in 2014, had resigned as chief of department. He was never charged but was investigated along with several others. Banks rejoined city government in 2022 after a hiatus.
The recent raids are reported to be part of a separate inquiry from the earlier investigation into whether Adams received illicit campaign donations from Turkey. The exact nature of the current investigation remains unclear, but it adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Adams’ administration.
As the investigation unfolds, the involvement of high-ranking officials and the seizure of sensitive information underscore the seriousness of the probe. New Yorkers and political observers are closely watching the developments, which could have far-reaching implications for the Adams administration and the city’s political landscape.
