Phil Banks, New York City’s deputy mayor for public safety and a long-time confidant of Mayor Eric Adams, resigned on Sunday night, October 6, 2024, marking another significant departure from the Adams administration amid ongoing federal investigations. Banks’ resignation comes as the mayor faces a growing political crisis, with Adams himself indicted on federal corruption charges just weeks prior.
Banks, a former NYPD official, was one of Adams' closest allies, overseeing the city’s public safety strategy since his appointment in 2022. His resignation makes him the sixth high-ranking official to step down from the administration in just the last month, underscoring the turmoil engulfing City Hall. Adams confirmed the news of Banks’ resignation during a morning interview on Spectrum News NY1, stating that Banks had expressed his desire to leave the administration several months ago. The mayor described the departure as mutual, praising Banks for his willingness to stay on during a difficult period to complete several key projects.
I tried asking Deputy Mayor Phil Banks III about reports over the weekend that his office in the Verizon Building at 375 Pearl St were raised by the Feds. He pretended he couldn’t hear me, something he’s done with other reporters as well. pic.twitter.com/kfjsWtzcjJ
— Ethan Stark-Miller (@Estarkmiller) October 2, 2024
This exit follows a raid by federal agents on Banks' home, along with the homes of other top officials, in connection with multiple investigations targeting the Adams administration. While specific details of the investigation into Banks have not been fully disclosed, it appears to be related to allegations that his brother, Terence Banks, improperly lobbied city officials on behalf of companies seeking lucrative city contracts. Both Phil and another brother, David Banks, who is the city’s schools chancellor, had their personal devices seized by federal agents.
The federal investigation into Mayor Adams himself, which has captured national attention, resulted in a five-count indictment for bribery, wire fraud, and other offenses. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges but is facing increasing pressure to step down.
Another member of the Adams administration has resigned, @NYCMayor Eric Adams confirmed on #MorningsOn1. Adams said Phil Banks, deputy mayor for public safety, handed in his resignation Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/bH0poXefrm
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) October 7, 2024
Several New York elected officials, along with Governor Kathy Hochul, have publicly urged Adams to clean house or consider resigning. Hochul, who holds the authority to remove the mayor from office under state law, has emphasized the need for restoring public confidence in the city’s leadership.
Banks’ resignation further weakens Adams’ grip on City Hall, which has already been destabilized by a wave of high-profile departures, including those of the city’s transportation commissioner and the schools chancellor. Banks’ role in overseeing the NYPD and other public safety agencies had made him a key figure in Adams’ crime-fighting strategy, especially as violent crime remains a significant concern for many New Yorkers. His sudden exit raises fresh questions about the administration's ability to maintain stability amid such deep-rooted internal problems.
Phil Banks had long been a controversial figure in New York City politics, having retired from the NYPD in 2014 under a cloud of suspicion related to corruption allegations. Despite the controversy surrounding his police career, Adams brought him into the administration in 2022, trusting Banks to help shape the city's public safety initiatives. That decision has come under fire in light of the current investigation.
This latest resignation deepens the political scandal surrounding Mayor Adams and further isolates him as calls for his resignation grow louder. With multiple federal probes underway and City Hall losing key figures almost weekly, the future of the Adams administration remains increasingly uncertain.
