Recent events have unfolded in New York City involving high-ranking officials close to the new Mayor, Eric Adams, including NYPD brass, that has drawn the attention of the FBI. These developments have seen devices being seized, cell phones being subpoenaed, and a focus on emails of top NYPD officials. An intensive investigation was initiated into the internal workings of NYC’s leadership that has been ongoing for nearly a year, with Mayor Adams himself being an inquiry subject in the past. The events leave onlookers questioning: what are the reasons behind these investigations into the influential heads of the largest city in the US, and who are these subjects under scrutiny?
Three individuals related to Mayor Adams have been the central figures in these FBI operations. The unmistakable presence among them is David Banks, the current Chancellor of New York City schools, handpicked by Mayor Adams. He is in a relationship with Sheena Wright, the First Deputy Mayor. The duo had an unexpected wake-up call when their dwelling was invaded and phones apprehended at dawn of Wednesday.
In addition, another key player, Philip Banks III, entrusted with the role of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, experienced the same fate with his home being violated and his phone collected that same morning. Terence Banks, the third brother who recently transported from his position at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to establish a consulting firm named the Pearl Alliance, had also found himself caught in the crosshairs of the probes by the federal agency. However, the motivations behind the executed search warrants remain an enigma.
Feeling in the dark like everyone else, Lisa Zornberg, the chief counsel for Mayor Adams, released a statement to Politico on Thursday. She conveyed that federal agents had not suggested that the mayor or his staff are the investigation’s primary targets. She quoted, ‘As a previous law enforcer, the mayor insists that it’s imperative for the whole team to abide by the law.’
Mayor Adams played down the intensity of the unfolding situation when he addressed the media about the latest FBI activities. He urged for law adherence saying, ‘Our singular aim is to comply with the law. This principle has always been the bedrock of this administration, and we intend to remain steadfast.’ He firmly promised cooperation stating that whatever information is sought would be provided, and then reasserted his commitment to his role as the mayor.
Yet, the FBI’s focus didn’t solely revolve around the Banks brothers and Sheena Wright. Tim Pearson, one of Adam’s senior advisors, also found his name on the subpoena for his cell phones. Other members of the NYPD, who share a connection with Mayor Adams, were under the magnifying glass, with their homes or phones being searched.
How does the NYPD fit into this equation? According to ABC7, the agency has interestingly caught seven NYPD officials in its dragnet. One prominent name in the NYPD was Commissioner Edward Caban, whose residence was searched and phone subpoenaed. Also, two lieutenants working within the commissioner’s office, two precinct commanders hailing from Queens and Manhattan, a lieutenant operative in the 10th precinct, plus NYPD Chief Raul Pintos had their worlds shaken up by the federal agency.
It is important to note that while these investigations are underway, the FBI’s actions towards the NYPD appear to diverge from its probe into Adams. The latter was under the lens over concerns that illegal foreign contributions were being funneled to his campaign from organizations linked to the Turkish government. The reasons why these NYPD leaders were caught in the investigative crossfire are yet unclear.
The severity of the situation resembles a storm for the New York City administration. A good part of the pressure on Adams stems from a federal inquiry into his 2021 mayoral campaign. The FBI launched a probe to investigate if there was any link between Adams or his affiliates and the Turkish government to smuggle foreign funds into his campaign. This revelation was made public as recent as Nov. 2, 2023.
It was during this time that the homes of Brianna Suggs and Rana Abbasova, both who had ties to Adams’ 2021 run for mayor, were raided by federal agents. Eric Adams, the then NYPD police captain, won the mayoral election in 2021 becoming the head of an impressive 8 million residents of the US’s biggest city.
The investigations by the FBI into Eric Adams and the individuals in his inner circle have seemingly taken a toll on his reputation. A recent poll demonstrated that only a disappointing 16% of probable voters stated they would cast their vote for him in the future, indicating a substantial dip in his popularity.