Adams deflects amid federal probes into members of his admin

New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the media virtually on Tuesday amid federal probes into several members of the administration. Screenshot via New York City Mayor’s Office/Youtube

By Ryan Schwach

Mayor Eric Adams deflected several questions from reporters on Tuesday days after several members of his administration were wrapped up in federal investigations last week.

Last Thursday, several members of the Adams Administration had either their homes raided by FBI agents or had electronic devices seized, leading to questions into the administration and calls for the resignation of Police Commissioner Edward Caban.

Caban, as well as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, his brother and Schools Chancellor David Banks and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright – also David Banks’ fiancé – are embroiled in two different federal investigations.

It is believed that Caban is being investigated for the NYPD’s enforcement of nightclubs and his brother, James, who is also a former NYPD cop who consults for nightclubs.

The investigation into the Banks’ is believed to be related to their third brother, Terence, a former MTA employee who runs a consulting firm.

Speaking via Zoom from Gracie Mansion after a COVID diagnosis, Adams addressed the turmoil around his inner circle, denied reports that City Hall was pressuring Caban to resign but stopped short of expressing his full confidence in his commissioner.

“I realized that these investigations have raised a lot of questions and a lot of concerns,” he said. “There's some serious matters that must be addressed. I was surprised as you to learn of these inquiries, I take them extremely seriously.”

The top of the mayor’s Tuesday off-topic press conference usually includes the mayor and his administration highlighting recent accomplishments and priorities.

However, on this occasion Adams chose to speak to the heart of his career in public service, speaking directly to New Yorkers amid the tumultuous week.

“As your mayor is the only one I've ever wanted. I grew up with injustice, and I set out to make sure that New York City was a better, fairer place,” he said. “That is what I strive to do each and every day.”

“I want to assure you that I feel the awesome weight of that responsibility with my whole heart, and I would never do anything to betray your trust,” he added.

The mayor defended his aides and said he would continue to let the process play out.

“They have not been accused of any wrongdoing,” he said. “I think It's imperative that we follow the process and system of doing inquiries, and that's what I've done throughout my years of law enforcement.”

Police Commissioner Caban seems to be facing the most scrutiny however, with several calls for him to step down, including from Queens elected officials.

Adams appointed Caban in July of last year after his first commissioner, Keechant Sewell, left after she reportedly got increasingly frustrated with Adams’ and Phil Banks’ oversight of the department.

Adams said he spoke with Caban on Monday, but said he does not discuss private conversations. Caban has yet to comment on the investigations, a move Adams also defended.

“He's a Police Commissioner of the City of New York, no one knows better that you should not do anything that's going to impede an investigation, and sometimes even comments can do so,” he said. “That's why we've been extremely, extremely clear it would be irresponsible to comment and not allow the investigation to take its course, and I think that's what he's doing, and I commend them for doing that.”

Mayor Eric Adams pushed back amid reports that Police Commissioner Edward Caban is expected to resign. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

However, when Adams was asked directly if he has full confidence in Caban, he sidestepped, instead expressing faith in the department as a whole and stopping short of mentioning the commissioner.

“I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department,” he said. “That is where my utmost confidence is.”

Mayor Adams also refrained from giving any credence to reports that Caban is being pushed to resign amid the investigations.

“Any orders that come from City Hall to make a personnel shift are going to come with my blessing,” he said.

Little is currently known about the specifics of either investigation, and the Southern District of New York has kept information close to the vest.

Reporters at the press conference asked for any information City Hall had on who may be under investigation and what they include, but officials declined to do so.

“The U.S. Attorney's office itself has made the request not to share information or details about their investigation,” said Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg. “We've always cooperated with investigations. We continue to do that here, and we're respecting that request.”

First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright declined to speak extensively on her role in the investigations, but said she is cooperating with any inquiry.

“I remain committed to serving New Yorkers each and every single day,” she said. “That is my job, and I'm committed to it, and I continue to do it. I am cooperating fully with any investigation. I'm confident that I have done nothing wrong.”