Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration with a series of high-profile raids this week. The FBI executed search warrants at the homes of several top city officials and seized cellphones from key advisers.
The raids targeted high-ranking members of Adams’ team, including Sheena Wright, the city’s first deputy mayor, and her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks. Wright and Banks’ Manhattan residence was searched, while another raid took place at the Queens home of Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety. Philip Banks is David Banks’ brother.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s home was also searched. Additionally, Tim Pearson, a senior adviser to Adams and one of his closest allies, was subpoenaed for his cellphones. Reports from the New York Post and the Daily News confirm these developments.
“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,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
The scope of the investigation appears broad. It involves at least seven other NYPD officers who have had their phones subpoenaed, and Terry Banks, another brother in the Banks family and founder of a government relations firm, is reportedly under investigation as well.
Since November, federal probes have scrutinized Adams’ connections with Turkey and a separate inquiry into Winnie Greco, a special adviser and campaign fundraiser. It remains unclear if these investigations are directly linked to the recent raids.
As more details emerged, Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg addressed the situation. “Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation,” she stated. “As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”
Adams, a retired NYPD captain, maintained his focus on his duties. “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,” he told reporters outside City Hall. “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.”
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that there is “an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service,” and noted that “the department is fully cooperating in the investigation.” Further inquiries were directed to the U.S. Attorney’s office, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Reports indicate that the raids and subpoenas do not appear to be linked to the existing investigation into potential Turkish influence or to the earlier probe of Greco. Two aides’ homes were searched last November in connection with the Turkey investigation. Adams himself received a grand jury subpoena in July and had his electronic devices seized last November, though they were later returned.
The recent searches of high-ranking officials like Wright and the Banks brothers mark a significant escalation in the inquiry. David Banks, who was present for the first day of school in Queens, declined to comment on the raid, stating, “Today’s all about the kids.”
Neighbors of Wright and Banks reported seeing or hearing nothing unusual during the raids. The investigation into Turkish influence focuses on whether Adams’ 2021 campaign colluded with foreign interests.
Political opponents have seized on the news to criticize Adams. Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller and mayoral candidate, remarked, “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.” Current Comptroller Brad Lander also weighed in, emphasizing the need for “honest, trustworthy and focused leadership.”
The Working Families Party’s co-directors criticized the administration, stating, “Raids, corruption allegations, and chaos have become hallmarks of the Adams administration.” Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani simply stated, “We deserve better.”
The investigation’s full implications are still unfolding, with City Hall and Adams’ election committee also receiving subpoenas in July. The federal actions underscore ongoing scrutiny of Adams’ administration, with the final outcomes yet to be determined.
