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Jimmy Williams
Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into the orbit of New York City Mayor Eric Adams by raiding the homes of at least three of his senior aides and closest associates.
According to multiple sources, the raids took place Wednesday morning and targeted the Manhattan residence of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, as well as the Queens home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks.
The raids mark another significant federal investigation linked to Mayor Adams’ administration, although authorities have not yet indicated the specific nature of the inquiry. Wright and the Banks brothers are among the highest-ranking officials known to be involved in the federal probe.
Speaking on behalf of City Hall, Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg sought to distance the administration from any wrongdoing. “Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation,” Zornberg said in a statement Thursday. “As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”
Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain, has maintained that his administration is fully cooperating with authorities. His close relationship with David and Philip Banks has drawn increased scrutiny due to their high-level roles within his administration. David Banks declined to comment on the raid during a public appearance in Queens on Thursday, deflecting attention to the first day of school for students. “Today’s all about the kids,” he remarked.
Neighbors of Wright and David Banks reported that they were unaware of any significant law enforcement activity during the raid. Similar sentiments were echoed in Philip Banks’ Queens neighborhood.
The latest raids do not appear to be connected to an ongoing federal investigation into Turkish influence on Mayor Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, which has already resulted in the seizure of electronic devices and homes being searched, including those of several of his aides. The investigation regarding potential Turkish involvement revolves around possible foreign collusion with the mayor’s campaign.
The search of Wright’s home and those of the Banks brothers adds to a growing list of high-profile figures in the Adams administration being drawn into federal investigations. Federal officers have previously searched the homes of Adams’ key campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, and international affairs aide, Rana Abbasova, in connection to the Turkish influence probe. Adams was served a grand jury subpoena in July as part of the investigation.
The FBI has declined to comment on this latest round of raids, leaving many questions about the scope and direction of the investigation unanswered. While Adams has insisted that neither he nor his staff are the focus of the probe, the federal inquiries are casting a long shadow over his administration as he eyes re-election in 2025.
