Federal authorities have conducted a series of raids targeting high-ranking officials in New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration.
According to Politico, the searches involved the homes of several top city officials and the seizure of electronic devices from at least one senior adviser.
The raids, which took place this week, focused on the residences of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. Additionally, Tim Pearson, a senior adviser to Adams, was subpoenaed for his cellphones. These actions mark a significant escalation in the ongoing investigations surrounding the mayor's administration.
While the full extent of the federal inquiry is yet to be determined, it appears to be separate from previous investigations into Adams' ties to Turkey and an aide named Winnie Greco. The recent raids suggest a broadening of the federal scrutiny on the mayor's inner circle.
The searches included the Manhattan home shared by Wright and David Banks, as well as the Queens residence of Philip Banks. It's worth noting that David and Philip Banks are brothers, and another sibling, Terry Banks, is also reportedly under investigation.
At least seven other members of the NYPD had their phones subpoenaed, indicating a wide-ranging investigation that extends beyond the mayor's immediate staff.
In response to the raids, Adams' Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg issued a statement distancing the administration from any potential wrongdoing. She emphasized that investigators have not indicated that the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation.
Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain, maintained his typical stance on the matter, stating:
The goal is to follow the law. And that is what this administration always stood for, and what we're going to continue to stand for. Whatever information that's needed, we're going to turn it over, and I'm going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York, the greatest city on the globe.
The NYPD has confirmed its cooperation with the investigation but referred further questions to the U.S. Attorney's office.
This latest development follows a series of earlier investigations into Adams' administration. Since November, federal investigators have been probing the mayor's ties to Turkey, and there appears to be a separate investigation into his aide Winnie Greco.
In July, both City Hall and Adams' election committee were subpoenaed. Last November, federal officers raided the homes of the mayor's top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, and his international affairs aide, Rana Abbasova.
The ongoing investigations have provided ammunition for Adams' political rivals. Several potential mayoral candidates have seized the opportunity to criticize the administration, with former city comptroller Scott Stringer stating:
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.
The series of raids and investigations surrounding Mayor Adams' administration raises serious questions about the integrity of New York City's leadership. It's concerning that a city with such global importance is embroiled in multiple federal probes. The public deserves transparency and accountability from their elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. If these investigations reveal wrongdoing, it could significantly impact the future of New York City politics and governance.
