In a major development for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the FBI has raided the homes of multiple top aides in his administration. The raids, part of an ongoing federal investigation, targeted Deputy Mayors Phil Banks and Sheena Wright, as well as other key figures close to the mayor. Law enforcement sources have confirmed that the FBI also confiscated the phone of Timothy Pearson, another close aide.
Also caught up in the investigation is Terence Banks, a lobbyist and brother of Phil Banks, as well as NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, whose home was also reportedly raided. The investigation is being spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The purpose of the investigation has yet to be revealed, though it appears unrelated to another federal probe into Adams’ dealings with Turkey, which led to a subpoena for the mayor earlier this summer. Adams, who has been facing mounting legal scrutiny, has previously spoken out about what he believes is unfair targeting of his administration.
In February, Adams pointed to the racial diversity of his leadership team as a possible reason for the scrutiny. “Look at this team. Look at my deputy mayors. Have you ever seen this much chocolate leading the City of New York?” Adams said at the time.
As the investigation continues, the NYPD has confirmed it is cooperating fully with federal authorities. For now, the details of the investigation remain unknown, leaving many unanswered questions.
