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Federal authorities on Wednesday raided the homes of at least four top officials in Mayor Eric Adams‘ administration, including police commissioner Edward Caban, amid an investigation by the US Attorney’s Office.
The probe involves New York Police Department executives who have been asked to voluntarily surrender their electronic devices and it also includes first deputy mayor Sheena Wright and deputy mayor Philip Banks, according to a CBS News report citing sources.
The NYPD confirmed they were aware of the investigation but did not specify which personnel were under scrutiny. The department expressed its commitment to cooperating with federal authorities. A spokesperson said, “We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed.”
FBI agents took part in the operations early Wednesday morning.
Among the raided officials, Wright and Banks had their cellphones confiscated during the raids. Wright shares a home with Schools Chancellor David Banks, Philip Banks’ brother.
Mayor Adams‘ reaction on the probe
Mayor Adams discussed the matter with CBS News New York’s Marcia Kramer on Thursday afternoon, showing a composed demeanor. He emphasized his directive to his staff to adhere to the law and assist with inquiries.
“You know, Marcia, I say over and over again, as a former member of law enforcement, I’m very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed and it just really would be inappropriate to get in the way of the review while it’s taking place,” Adams stated. “I am not aware of any misdoings and I’m going to, again, follow the rules and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that’s what they have been doing, to my knowledge.”
“So why do they keep targeting you and members of your administration?” “I mean, it’s like a constant, drip, drip, drip, ” Kramer questioned.
“Those are questions I can’t answer. I’m going to … I know what I’m going to do, and this information is needed to show that I have always followed the law. We’re going to give that information,” Adams responded. The reason for the raids is not clear. No official reason for the raids has been given, though insiders suggest the investigation is not linked to prior inquiries into expensive flight upgrades to Turkey related to Adams’ 2021 campaign.
Adams’ mayoral campaign faces ongoing corruption investigations, resulting in new subpoenas as recently as July. In 2023, the FBI targeted the home of Adams’ then-fundraiser Brianna Suggs in a campaign financing probe.
What happened after the raid?
Police commissioner Caban canceled a public event on Thursday following the raids.
Schools chancellor David Banks, however, remained focused on his duties, overseeing the first day of classes for New York City public schools.”Today is all about the kids of New York City, and that’s what we’re going to focus on,” he remarked.
The probe involves New York Police Department executives who have been asked to voluntarily surrender their electronic devices and it also includes first deputy mayor Sheena Wright and deputy mayor Philip Banks, according to a CBS News report citing sources.
The NYPD confirmed they were aware of the investigation but did not specify which personnel were under scrutiny. The department expressed its commitment to cooperating with federal authorities. A spokesperson said, “We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed.”
FBI agents took part in the operations early Wednesday morning.
Among the raided officials, Wright and Banks had their cellphones confiscated during the raids. Wright shares a home with Schools Chancellor David Banks, Philip Banks’ brother.
Mayor Adams‘ reaction on the probe
Mayor Adams discussed the matter with CBS News New York’s Marcia Kramer on Thursday afternoon, showing a composed demeanor. He emphasized his directive to his staff to adhere to the law and assist with inquiries.
“You know, Marcia, I say over and over again, as a former member of law enforcement, I’m very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed and it just really would be inappropriate to get in the way of the review while it’s taking place,” Adams stated. “I am not aware of any misdoings and I’m going to, again, follow the rules and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that’s what they have been doing, to my knowledge.”
“So why do they keep targeting you and members of your administration?” “I mean, it’s like a constant, drip, drip, drip, ” Kramer questioned.
“Those are questions I can’t answer. I’m going to … I know what I’m going to do, and this information is needed to show that I have always followed the law. We’re going to give that information,” Adams responded. The reason for the raids is not clear. No official reason for the raids has been given, though insiders suggest the investigation is not linked to prior inquiries into expensive flight upgrades to Turkey related to Adams’ 2021 campaign.
Adams’ mayoral campaign faces ongoing corruption investigations, resulting in new subpoenas as recently as July. In 2023, the FBI targeted the home of Adams’ then-fundraiser Brianna Suggs in a campaign financing probe.
What happened after the raid?
Police commissioner Caban canceled a public event on Thursday following the raids.
Schools chancellor David Banks, however, remained focused on his duties, overseeing the first day of classes for New York City public schools.”Today is all about the kids of New York City, and that’s what we’re going to focus on,” he remarked.
Who are Sheena Wright and Philip Banks
First deputy mayor Sheena Wright has been with the Adams administration since 2022, initially overseeing strategic initiatives before becoming first deputy mayor in 2023. Wright’s background includes serving as president and CEO of United Way of New York City and the Abyssinian Development Corporation.
Deputy mayor Philip Banks, appointed in 2022, holds the public safety portfolio. His previous roles include being the chief of department in the NYPD.
