No Reason Given for Fed Home Raids of Mayor's Top 3 Aides

Photo byOffice of U.S. House Speaker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Three of Mayor Eric Adams' top advisers' homes were raided by federal officials on Wednesday. Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor, and her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, live in Manhattan. The FBI searched their residence. Additionally, agents searched the Queens residence of Phil Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety.

The searches mark the closest penetration into the mayor's inner circle by federal law enforcement agents to date; these three individuals are frequently referred to as "the family" by close political observers.

One of the mayor's closest allies, Phil Banks, and the mayor go back to their NYPD days together.

The deputy mayor's brother, Schools Chancellor David Banks, is romantically involved with Wright.

David Banks said he was assisting a federal investigation in a succinct statement on Friday morning, but he was unable to provide any other comments.

Schools Chancellor Banks early Friday stated: "Yesterday was the first day of school for the 1.1 million students and staff of New York City Public Schools, and I remain focused on ensuring they have safe, academically rigorous, and joyful school year. I am confirming that I am cooperating with a federal inquiry. At this time, I cannot comment any further on that matter."

The reason for the raids remains unknown.

"Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation," the mayor’s chief counsel Lisa Zornberg said in a statement. "As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law."