FBI Raids Homes of Top Officials Close to Mayor

In a developing investigation, FBI agents recently searched the homes of several key figures in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

The FBI’s actions, which reportedly took place on Wednesday, involved seizing electronic devices from the residences of some of Adams’ closest deputies, raising questions about what’s happening behind the scenes at City Hall.

Among those whose homes were searched are First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, and Timothy Pearson, a former New York Police Department (NYPD) official and close adviser to Mayor Adams.

Notably, the city’s current police commissioner, Edward Caban, also had his devices confiscated, according to reports from the Associated Press (AP).

In a statement, City Hall’s chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, emphasized that the investigators have not indicated that Adams or his staff are direct targets of any investigation.

“As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law,” she stated.

Mayor Adams himself, in an interview with Fox 5 New York, firmly denied any knowledge of misconduct.

He reiterated his long-standing message: “I have been clear that my message throughout my public life is to follow the law.”

Adams added that his office will cooperate fully with any inquiries, signaling confidence that the investigation will not ultimately implicate his administration.

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Adams has faced scrutiny from federal investigators.

In February, the FBI raided the mayor’s home as part of an investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn.

That raid was linked to a broader corruption probe involving Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and allegations of illegal foreign donations, reportedly tied to the Turkish government.

This week’s raids, however, appear unrelated to that previous investigation, according to sources speaking to The Hill.

What makes this situation more intriguing is the involvement of some of Adams’ most prominent allies.

For instance, Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, has long been a controversial figure.

His tenure with the NYPD ended amid scandal, and he has been embroiled in multiple legal battles.

Pearson, another close Adams ally whose home was searched, is facing sexual harassment lawsuits and is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a fight at a homeless migrant shelter.

While the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, the focus of federal authorities appears to be shifting from Adams’ past campaign issues to the conduct of his current administration.