The FBI raided the homes of multiple top aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, including Deputy Mayors Phil Banks and Sheena Wright, as part of an ongoing investigation. The purpose of the raids remains unclear, but law enforcement sources confirmed that the investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
In addition to searching the homes, federal agents confiscated the phone of Adams’ close aide, Timothy Pearson. Terence Banks, brother of Phil Banks and a former MTA official, was also reportedly targeted in the investigation. Even NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, a key Adams ally, was reportedly involved in the raids.
The FBI’s actions add to the mounting legal challenges facing Adams, who is also under investigation for his connections to Turkey, a case that led to a subpoena in August. However, these latest raids are reportedly unrelated to the Turkey probe.
Mayor Adams has repeatedly defended his administration, attributing some of the scrutiny to the racial diversity of his team. In a February speech, Adams highlighted his deputy mayors, stating, “Have you ever seen this much chocolate leading the City of New York?” He has suggested that his administration is being unfairly targeted.
The NYPD issued a statement confirming that they are cooperating with federal authorities, but the raids have left many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.
