FBI Raids Homes Of Top Aides To NYC Democrat Mayor Eric Adams

Federal agents recently targeted high-ranking members of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, conducting raids on several municipal officials and seizing the cellphones of at least one senior advisor.

The raids took place at the homes of key figures, including Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, in Queens, and Sheena Wright, the city’s first deputy mayor, along with her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, in Manhattan. According to Politico, five sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed the raids.

In addition to these actions, "agents also searched NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s home, and Tim Pearson — a senior adviser to Adams and one of his closest allies — was subpoenaed for his cellphones." It was further noted that David and Phil Banks are brothers, as reported by Politico.

The investigation extends beyond the mayor’s administration. Another brother, Terry Banks, founder of a government relations firm, is also under investigation, according to The New York Times. At least seven other NYPD members had their phones subpoenaed as part of this broad federal inquiry. Since November, federal investigators have been looking into Adams’ ties to Turkey and conducting a separate probe into his aide, Winnie Greco. Whether these investigations are connected to the recent search warrants remains unclear.

As more information emerged, Mayor Adams’ Chief Counsel, Lisa Zornberg, sought to distance the administration from any wrongdoing. In a statement, she emphasized, “Investigators have not indicated to us that the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation.” She further highlighted Adams’ law enforcement background, stating, “The mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”

Mayor Adams, remaining focused on his duties, addressed reporters on Thursday, reaffirming his administration's commitment to compliance. "The goal is to follow the law," Adams said. "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 also confirmed the investigation. A spokesperson stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York was involved and that the department was fully cooperating.

Politico further clarified that the recent searches did not appear related to the ongoing federal probe into Turkey’s attempts to influence Mayor Adams, nor to the investigation into Winnie Greco, whose home was raided in February. Since last November, homes of at least two of Adams' aides have been searched in connection with the Turkey investigation. Adams himself received a grand jury subpoena in July and had his electronic devices seized and later returned.

The Banks brothers and Wright are the highest-ranking officials whose residences have been searched so far as part of the federal investigation.

When asked about the raid during an appearance in Queens, David Banks declined to comment. Two of his neighbors, speaking anonymously, mentioned they had seen or heard nothing unusual during the time of the raid. Similarly, neighbors of Wright and Banks were also unaware of the events.

One aspect of the probe may involve investigating possible collusion with foreign interests, particularly the Turkish government, in connection with Mayor Adams’ 2021 campaign. However, Adams and his legal team have maintained that he is cooperating fully with the inquiry and has not been charged with any crimes during his first term as mayor.