### Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks Resigns Amid Multiple Investigations

Phil Banks, the controversial deputy mayor for public safety and a key adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, has officially stepped down from his position. Mayor Adams confirmed the resignation during an interview on NY1, following initial reports by the New York Post.

Banks' departure is the latest in a series of high-profile resignations within the Adams administration. This exodus comes on the heels of Mayor Adams being indicted on corruption charges and facing at least four federal investigations involving some of his closest advisers. "We spoke yesterday and again this morning, and he stated he wants to transition to some other things with his life," Mayor Adams said on NY1. "He doesn't want this to be a constant burden on the work that we're doing in the city. I wish my good friend well."

Phil Banks is the seventh senior official to leave the Adams administration in the past few weeks. Among the recent departures was Banks' brother, Schools Chancellor David Banks, who announced he will exit his post on October 16 - months ahead of schedule. These resignations coincided with pressure from New York Governor Kathy Hochul for Mayor Adams to address management issues within his administration amid these investigations.

Adams initially hired Phil Banks early in his tenure, assigning him a role with considerable influence over both the fire department and NYPD, despite Banks' controversial past. Banks had resigned abruptly as the NYPD's top uniformed officer in 2014. Federal prosecutors later identified Banks as an unindicted co-conspirator in a corruption scandal involving high-ranking police officers and Brooklyn businessmen, who were convicted of bribery.

At the time of his 2022 appointment, Mayor Adams dismissed concerns regarding Banks' past scandals, citing a belief in second chances. However, in September, a federal raid indicated that Banks was once again under scrutiny. This investigation reportedly involves his youngest brother, Terence Banks, a retired MTA supervisor who recently launched a government relations firm.

During the raid on September 4, federal agents also seized phones from David Banks and his partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Sources suggest that Wright, whose phones were also taken, is expected to resign soon. Mayor Adams, however, declined to comment on Wright's future in his administration during the NY1 interview.

Adding to the turmoil, Mayor Adams himself was indicted last month by a federal grand jury, accused of accepting bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors. He has pleaded not guilty and plans to fight the charges vigorously.

The series of resignations, combined with ongoing federal investigations, indicate a turbulent period for Mayor Adams' administration, which appears to have been caught off guard by some of these sudden departures.