Federal agents conducted raids this week targeting key members of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration, seizing electronic devices and searching homes. The FBI's actions are part of an ongoing investigation into Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign, though specifics of the probe remain unclear.
Among those impacted by the searches were First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, whose Manhattan home she shares with Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Public Safety Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, David's brother. The raids also included senior city officials such as NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, whose phones were subpoenaed. The FBI also sought devices from Adams' advisor Tim Pearson.
FBI Raids NYC Homes of Two Top Mayor Adams Aides, Sheena Wright and Phil Banks
The FBI conducted raids on the homes of Sheena Wright and Phil Banks, two top aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The reasons for the raids have not been disclosed, and investigations are… pic.twitter.com/viLGc3YOaU
— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) September 5, 2024
The federal probe has reportedly been ongoing for months, with investigators focusing on several areas, including Adams' potential ties to Turkey and his campaign fundraiser, Winnie Greco. This week's actions, however, do not appear linked to those previous investigations, and it remains uncertain whether Adams himself is a target of the current inquiry. His office was quick to emphasize that the mayor has not been implicated.
A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed that the department is fully cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s office in this investigation, though no further details have been provided. Adams, a former NYPD officer, stated his administration remains committed to following the law and assisting investigators as necessary.
Breaking News: The FBI searched the homes of three top New York City officials close to Mayor Eric Adams, further entangling his administration in criminal inquiries. https://t.co/87zQ2yBYVB
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 5, 2024
"The goal is to follow the law, and that is what this administration always stood for," Adams said, insisting he will remain focused on his duties as mayor.
This investigation has added to growing legal scrutiny surrounding Adams' leadership. Since last year, federal authorities have been investigating potential foreign influence in his campaign, particularly through Turkish entities, and examining his fundraising practices. At least two of Adams’ aides had their homes searched last November as part of the Turkey-related probe.
The mayor himself had been subpoenaed, and his electronic devices were briefly confiscated before being returned. Meanwhile, this latest round of raids involving Wright and the Banks brothers marks the most significant development in the investigation to date, signaling that federal investigators are expanding their reach.
As of now, the full scope of the federal investigation remains unclear. However, the series of law enforcement actions is likely to further fuel speculation about potential misconduct within Adams' administration. For now, Mayor Adams has avoided direct legal entanglement, but the continued scrutiny of those closest to him may suggest more developments are on the horizon.
