Adams reacts to FBI searches on top city officials: 'I'm not aware of any wrongdoing'

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Mayor Eric Adams reacted Thursday after the FBI seized devices from high-ranking members of his administration and the NYPD commissioner with raids and subpoenas this week, saying, “I’m not aware of any wrongdoing or misgivings from anyone on my team.”

“We’re going to continue to cooperate,” the mayor told WABC-TV after several members of his inner circle had their devices seized in recent days.

Devices, including phones and laptops, were seized from NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, as well as from top administration officials, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright; Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety; his brother David Banks, the city’s schools chancellor; and Timothy Pearson, a mayoral adviser and former high-ranking NYPD official.

Wright’s Hamilton Heights townhouse and Banks' single-family Hollis home were raided Wednesday morning, while Caban turned over his phone in response to a subpoena, according to 1010 WINS and Associated Press sources.

At least five other members of the NYPD are also under scrutiny, sources told 1010 WINS.

The latest law enforcement actions add to a flurry of investigative activity around Adams' administration, his campaign and the first-term Democrat himself. He previously received subpoenas and had his electronics seized in federal inquiries.

The latest searches don’t appear to be related to the federal investigation involving Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign and its potential ties to the Turkish government, the sources said.

Federal authorities haven't accused Adams or any of the officials involved with any crimes, and Adams, a retired NYPD captain, has denied any wrongdoing.

“I follow the rules and procedures, and you know, I’m confident that if everything is reviewed, we’re going to comply with whatever information is needed,” Adams said in Thursday’s interview.

“I think the most important thing that I must do is send the right message to my team and all the employees in the city,” he said. “We’re going to comply with all the rules and we’re going to follow the law.”

The FBI and United States District Attorney declined to comment on the raids when reached by 1010 WINS on Thursday.

Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf told 1010 WINS that the best thing for the mayor to do is carry on with his mayoral responsibilities.

“If he stands up and starts protesting, it may appear that he’s interfering,” Sheinkopf said. “He’s got to remain calm, try to run the city as best he can and hope that his opponents don’t gain from these new activities.”

“If the mayor makes changes in staffing at those highest levels right now,” Sheinkopf said, “it will look like he’s abandoning his friends and those who have worked for him loyally. It will also make it look like he’s giving into something that hasn’t happened. We don’t know if these people have done anything wrong.”

Adams’ rivals in the 2025 mayoral race were quick to pounce on the news.

City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is challenging Adams in the Democratic primary, wrote on X , “Amidst an unending stream of stories about the Adams Administration being raided and investigated by federal law enforcement, it is clear that New Yorkers are not getting the steady leadership we deserve.”

Scott Stringer, the former comptroller who is considering a run for mayor, also took to social media, writing , “Eric Adams ran on curbing chaos and disorder, yet there is nothing more chaotic than a mayor distracted by his inner circle getting raided by the feds. You can’t clean up this city’s problems when your own house is a mess.”

State Sen. Jessica Ramos, another potential challenger, posted a news story about the raids and wrote , “I’m tired of this, aren’t you?”

In another interview with Fox 5 NY , Adams said he plans to “stay focused” on his job.

“I've received a number of calls and messages from everyday New Yorkers,” the mayor said. “And they say, ‘Eric, hang in there. We're praying for you. We know how committed you are to this city. Keep doing the job that you're doing.’”

“I would love to engage in a good conversation around this, but it would just be irresponsible for me,” he added. “As a former law enforcement person, I know allow the reviews to take their course and that is what I'm doing.”

Adams told reporters earlier at City Hall that if the administration has information that’s needed, it will be turned over, “and I’m going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York.”

Lisa Zornberg, City Hall’s top lawyer, said in a statement that investigators had not indicated that the mayor or his staff were “targets of any investigation.”

The NYPD said in a statement that it was aware of and cooperating with an investigation by Manhattan-based federal prosecutors “involving members of service.” The department directed further inquiries to prosecutors, who declined to comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.