The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted searches at the residences of two senior aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, as reported by Politico on Wednesday.
The operations took place at the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, both of whom are regarded as close advisors to Adams, according to the report. In previous months, the FBI had also searched the residences of lead campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs and international affairs aide Rana Abbasova in November, as well as director of Asian affairs Winnie Greco in February.
In July, Adams received a subpoena in connection with a federal investigation into possible collusion between his administration and the Turkish government. However, Politico indicates that the recent raids are not believed to be related to this investigation.
#BREAKING
NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS-
FBI agents raided the homes of two top aides to Mayor Eric Adams — Phil Banks and Sheena Wright — early Wednesday, law-enforcement sources confirmed.The raids — first reported by THE CITY — unfolded simultaneously about 5 a.m. at Wright’s… pic.twitter.com/xvAQ4txzaj
— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) September 5, 2024
The attorneys representing the mayor have emphasized that he is fully cooperating with the investigation and has not been charged with any wrongdoing, as reported by Politico.
“Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation,” Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg said in a statement to Politico. “As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”
