In a shocking turn of events, FBI agents conducted raids at the homes of two high-ranking aides to Mayor Eric Adams early Wednesday morning. The targeted homes belonged to Phil Banks and Sheena Wright, both known for their close association with the mayor. The simultaneous raids occurred at Wright's elegant West 143rd Street residence in Harlem and Banks' Queens home, according to law enforcement sources.

While an FBI spokesperson declined to comment on the raids, it has been confirmed that federal agents visited both addresses. This development adds another layer of intensity to the ongoing federal investigations surrounding Mayor Adams. Although the exact motives behind the raids remain unclear, insider sources divulged that investigators are attempting to persuade someone close to the mayor to cooperate, even though Adams himself has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.

Of the two aides, Wright, who serves as the city's first deputy mayor, has become the closest associate of Mayor Adams to have her home targeted by federal authorities. On the other hand, Banks has been a longtime ally of the mayor, serving as his deputy mayor for public safety.

These recent raids now bring the total number of Adams' allies whose properties have been searched by federal agents to five. Among them is Brianna Suggs, the mayor's top campaign fundraiser, as allegations of a kickback scheme involving City Hall and the Turkish government loom over the investigations. However, sources familiar with the matter have stated that the raids do not seem to be directly connected to the ongoing Turkey investigation.

Moreover, Mayor Adams himself has been subject to scrutiny in the federal investigations. He, along with City Hall officials and his campaign, received grand jury subpoenas in July pertaining to his 2021 election fundraising. As part of this investigation, his electronic devices were seized as well. Despite these developments, Mayor Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg emphasized that investigators have not indicated that the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation. She added, "As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law."

Representatives for Adams' campaign have not provided any comments on the recent raids at this time. It is worth mentioning that Wright has been in a long-term relationship with Schools Chancellor David Banks, and rumors circulated about their secret marriage last year. David Banks, the brother of Phil Banks and a figure previously named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal police corruption case, avoided questions about the raids when leaving the Harlem home he shares with Wright.

As the investigations continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how these raids will impact Mayor Eric Adams and his administration moving forward.