FBI agents reportedly executed a search on the homes of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top aides this week.
On Thursday, people familiar with the matter speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press (AP) that the FBI searched the homes of Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, and Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor. The AP also reported that the FBI searched the homes of former New York Police Department (NYPD) official Timothy Pearson and Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
The people familiar with the matter told the AP that electronic devices were taken by FBI agents following their searches at the homes.
The searches add to the growing list of investigative actions surrounding Adams’ administration, his campaign, and the first-term Democrat himself. Federal authorities have not accused Adams or any of his officials of crimes, and the retired police captain has denied any wrongdoing.
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Adams responded to the searches, saying, “The goal is to follow the law, and that is what this administration always stood for and what we’re going to continue to stand for.”
Adams also noted that his office would be willing to turn over any information necessary to authorities and said, “I’m going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (right) and deputy mayor Sheena Wright (left) are seen during a press conference in December 2023. On September 5, 2024, the FBI searched the homes of several of Adams’ top deputies.
AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie/AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie
City Hall’s top lawyer, Lisa Zornberg, said that none of the mayor’s staff or himself were “targets of any investigation.”
In a statement, the NYPD said it is cooperating with the FBI in its investigation “involving members of service.”
Attorney Benjamin Brafman, who represents Banks, also confirmed the search on his client’s home on Thursday.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also issued a statement saying, “I don’t know the reason for the warrants and searches of several top Adams administration officials. I do know that these repeated instances—at higher and higher levels—affect New Yorkers’ confidence in government, and as Public Advocate, I know that transparency is vital for effective public service. In that spirit, it is essential that the mayor and his administration provide clear and immediate explanations to the public to help restore trust.”
In November, federal agents seized the mayor’s phones and iPad as he left an event in Manhattan, while also raiding the home of one of his top fundraisers. Earlier this summer, subpoenas were issued to Adams, his campaign, and City Hall by federal prosecutors.
Pearson is currently entangled in multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment of female employees, and he is also under investigation for his involvement in a brawl at a homeless migrant shelter. Pearson’s attorney in the harassment case did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP.
Federal prosecutors previously identified Banks as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in a police bribery investigation during former Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s administration. Banks retired suddenly in 2014 but returned to city government when Adams took office in 2022.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
