Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams Accepts Resignation of Deputy Mayor Philip Banks Amid Growing Turmoil
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that he has accepted the resignation of Philip Banks, his deputy mayor for public safety. This marks the latest senior departure as the mayor faces an indictment and growing calls for his resignation.
Speaking on NY1, Adams revealed that Banks had informed him on Sunday of his decision to step down, citing personal reasons. “He wants to transition to some other things,” Adams said. “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.”
A Month of High-Level Departures
The resignation, first reported by the New York Post, follows a month of significant upheaval in Adams’ administration. Federal agents recently seized devices from multiple top officials, including Banks and his brother, David Banks, the city’s schools chancellor, who also resigned. In total, five high-ranking city officials have left their positions within the last month, marking a notable shift in the city’s leadership.
Federal prosecutors have disclosed that they are conducting “several related investigations” beyond the case that led to Adams’ indictment. Last month, the mayor was charged with accepting illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the intensity of the ongoing investigations poses serious challenges for his administration.
Scrutiny on Family Connections
In a separate investigation, federal authorities are examining whether a consulting firm owned by a third Banks brother, Terence Banks, violated laws by using family ties to help private companies secure city contracts. According to a source familiar with the matter, this probe is one of several converging around the mayor’s administration. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigations.
Despite the wave of resignations and growing legal challenges, Adams remains defiant. “I am confident that when the true story gets out and is not a one-sided version, New Yorkers will see that we can stay focused and get the job done,” Adams said Monday. However, pressure is mounting on Adams to clean house, with even Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove him from office, urging a reassessment of his leadership.
Philip Banks’ Controversial Tenure
Philip Banks’ appointment as deputy mayor in 2022 raised eyebrows due to his controversial past. Banks had previously served as the highest-ranking uniformed member of the NYPD but resigned abruptly in 2014 after becoming embroiled in a corruption scandal. Federal investigators wiretapped his phone during an inquiry into $300,000 found in accounts linked to Banks and his wife. Though he was never charged, two businessmen were convicted of bribing police officers in connection with the case, and Banks was named an unindicted co-conspirator.
Reflecting on his past in a guest essay after his return to public service, Banks wrote, “I never broke the law, nor did I ever betray the public trust by abusing my authority as an NYPD official.”
Adams’ long-standing relationship with the Banks brothers dates back to the 1980s when Adams was a young police officer mentored by their father, Philip Banks Sr. This personal connection has drawn further scrutiny as federal investigations increasingly focus on the mayor’s inner circle.
Broader Implications for the Administration
David Banks, who served as the schools chancellor, stepped down earlier than expected. Initially set to leave at the end of the year, his resignation date was moved up to October 16 by the mayor. In a statement, David Banks said Adams decided to “accelerate the timeline,” despite his earlier plan for a more gradual transition.
The federal probe into the administration has also impacted other high-profile figures. Devices were seized from NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Timothy Pearson, one of Adams’ closest aides. Both men have since resigned. All parties involved, including the Banks brothers, have denied any wrongdoing.
At a press briefing last month, Adams addressed his long-standing relationship with the Banks family. “I’ve known the Banks families for years,” he said. “And my knowing someone, I hold them to the same standard that I hold myself to.”
With multiple investigations ongoing and key figures stepping down, Mayor Adams faces a critical test of his leadership as New York City closely watches the unfolding drama and its potential impact on his administration.