In a surprising turn of events, Thomas Donlon, the newly appointed NYPD Commissioner, has found himself under a federal probe, just ten days after taking over the position from his predecessor Commissioner Edward Caban. The news comes after Donlon confirmed on Saturday night that federal authorities had executed search warrants at his residences the previous day. Donlon mentioned in a statement released through the NYPD's public information office that the materials taken by authorities were acquired approximately 20 years ago and unrelated to his current role within the NYPD.

Donlon's entrance into the spotlight of a federal investigation adds to the series of inquiries that have entangled top aides to Mayor Eric Adams and high-ranking officials within the NYPD. Having come on board as a former FBI agent, Donlon's appointment was seen as an attempt to address concerns regarding leadership and credibility within the agency. The timing of the probe raises questions about its potential links to the multiple ongoing criminal investigations involving the mayor, his team, and other members of the NYPD, although no formal accusations have been made against them so far.

Additionally, on the same day as the search at Donlon's residences, federal prosecutors issued a subpoena to Molly Schaeffer, the city's director of asylum seeker operations, and also visited a building where her parents are residents, as captured on surveillance footage obtained by Gothamist. Deputy Mayor for Communications, Fabien Levy, reiterated the city's stance on compliance with law enforcement inquiries, emphasizing the expectation for all team members to cooperate fully. The growing number of investigations within top city and police officials puts additional pressure on the administration amidst the heightened scrutiny from federal authorities.