Another High-Ranking NYC Official, Phil Banks, Steps Down
The city's deputy mayor for public safety has resigned, marking the sixth high-ranking official to step down in the last month as Mayor Adams deals with a federal indictment.
TroibNews 
**NEW YORK** — Phil Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, resigned on Sunday night, marking him as the sixth high-ranking city official to leave in just four weeks.
Banks's resignation follows a home raid and the seizure of his personal devices by federal investigators last month, part of a federal inquiry that appears to be distinct from the investigation that resulted in Mayor Eric Adams's federal indictment.
Two weeks ago, Adams became the first sitting New York mayor to face federal charges, which include bribery and wire fraud. Since the indictment, City Hall has experienced a wave of exits and federal actions, as numerous local, state, and congressional officials have urged the mayor to step down. Adams continues to assert his innocence, maintaining a not guilty plea.
Governor Kathy Hochul has been increasing pressure on Adams, suggesting he needs to cleanse his administration of several top officials to "instill the confidence that is wavering right now," as she holds the authority to remove him from his position.
During a Monday morning interview on Spectrum News, Adams confirmed Banks's resignation.
"He reached out to me and stated, 'Eric, I'm looking to move on, and this is a good time to do so,'" Adams commented. “And actually, a couple of months ago, he sat down with me around about six months ago, and stated that, ‘Look, I'm looking to transition, Eric.’ And I said, ‘Listen, we got a couple of things in the pipeline. Can you please hold on and get them done?’ And he was willing to do that. I appreciate him for that."
While the specifics of the investigation into Banks have not been disclosed by federal authorities, it appears to center on allegations that his brother, Terence Banks, inappropriately lobbied on behalf of companies seeking city contracts.
Another brother, David Banks, serves as the chancellor of the city's schools, the largest school district in the nation. He also experienced a home raid and had personal devices taken by federal agents on the same day as Phil Banks.
Initially, David Banks had indicated plans to retire at the end of December, but he later decided to leave sooner amid mounting pressure from Hochul and others.
Phil Banks's resignation, who oversaw the NYPD and other public safety entities, comes as the NYPD and counterintelligence officials remain on high alert for potential terrorism and other safety threats, coinciding with the anniversary of the massacre in Israel on October 7.
City Hall has not responded to requests for comments.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Banks's resignation follows a home raid and the seizure of his personal devices by federal investigators last month, part of a federal inquiry that appears to be distinct from the investigation that resulted in Mayor Eric Adams's federal indictment.
Two weeks ago, Adams became the first sitting New York mayor to face federal charges, which include bribery and wire fraud. Since the indictment, City Hall has experienced a wave of exits and federal actions, as numerous local, state, and congressional officials have urged the mayor to step down. Adams continues to assert his innocence, maintaining a not guilty plea.
Governor Kathy Hochul has been increasing pressure on Adams, suggesting he needs to cleanse his administration of several top officials to "instill the confidence that is wavering right now," as she holds the authority to remove him from his position.
During a Monday morning interview on Spectrum News, Adams confirmed Banks's resignation.
"He reached out to me and stated, 'Eric, I'm looking to move on, and this is a good time to do so,'" Adams commented. “And actually, a couple of months ago, he sat down with me around about six months ago, and stated that, ‘Look, I'm looking to transition, Eric.’ And I said, ‘Listen, we got a couple of things in the pipeline. Can you please hold on and get them done?’ And he was willing to do that. I appreciate him for that."
While the specifics of the investigation into Banks have not been disclosed by federal authorities, it appears to center on allegations that his brother, Terence Banks, inappropriately lobbied on behalf of companies seeking city contracts.
Another brother, David Banks, serves as the chancellor of the city's schools, the largest school district in the nation. He also experienced a home raid and had personal devices taken by federal agents on the same day as Phil Banks.
Initially, David Banks had indicated plans to retire at the end of December, but he later decided to leave sooner amid mounting pressure from Hochul and others.
Phil Banks's resignation, who oversaw the NYPD and other public safety entities, comes as the NYPD and counterintelligence officials remain on high alert for potential terrorism and other safety threats, coinciding with the anniversary of the massacre in Israel on October 7.
City Hall has not responded to requests for comments.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
