Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said he plans to run for reelection in 2025 and did not directly comment on whether New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban should resign or be fired after a series of FBI raids last week on the mayor's inner circle.
Thirteen people had their residences raided by federal agents or their electronic devices subpoenaed on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5, as part of several ongoing federal investigations. This includes First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks, who live together, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III, who is the brother of Chancellor Banks.
"I realize that these investigations have raised a lot of questions and a lot of concerns. There are some serious matters that must be addressed. I was surprised, as you, to learn of these inquiries, and I take them extremely seriously," Adams said during his regular weekly press briefing that occurred virtually as he battled COVID.
A third Banks brother, Terence Banks, who runs a consulting company, also had his home targeted by federal agents. Tim Pearson, a senior adviser to the mayor, and at least seven other NYPD officials had their phones subpoenaed.
“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,” said Adams.
So far, no one has been charged with a crime. When asked if he would consider resigning if charged during his term, Adams shot down the notion.
“I am committed to completing my term as the mayor of the City of New York and running for re-election…I'm not going to deal with hypotheticals,” said Adams.
For much of the press conference, the mayor answered questions regarding the possible resignation or firing of Commissioner Caban. Adams declined several times to go into the nature of the probes so as not to “impede an investigation" but he did say that "one person does not determine the success" of the entire NYPD.
"That entire team, and I have confidence, 100% confidence in that team to keep our city safe. And if there's a change of personnel in this city, we're going to do what we've always have done. We announce it, and if someone decides to go on with another aspect of their lives, we will announce that as well," the mayor said.
Wright also addressed the federal raids, but couldn’t offer much information.
“I am cooperating fully with any investigation. I'm confident that I have done nothing wrong, and I just remain committed to doing the work that we have to do,” she said.
Meanwhile, when asked to give an update on the contract set to expire on Sept. 14 for the migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, City Hall administrators said they were “in conversations and negotiations with the federal government” regarding an extension.
Camille Joseph Varlack, the mayor's Chief of Staff, said "any other contracts having to do with the asylum seekers" will go through the traditional contract process with all of the rules and regulations that relate to it.
When asked about the possibility of expanding CityFHEPS, a rental assistance program, administrators said it was not keen on doing so.
“CityFHEPS has its own set of details. But those types of vouchers are not that useful if we don't have enough supply of housing,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “We need to get at the root of the supply problem. And that's why the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity has been such a critical component of our strategies.”
A resident must have a gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to be considered for CityFHEPS vouchers. Last month, a court struck down a measure to expand rental assistance after the City Council overrode a veto by Adams that stopped expansion of CityFHEPS.
