New York City’s deputy mayor for public safety, Phil Banks III, resigned Monday in the latest fallout from the corruption scandal engulfing the administration of Mayor Eric Adams.
“We spoke yesterday and we spoke again this morning and he stated he wants to move on to other things in his life,” Adams told NY1. “I wish my good friend well.”
Banks’ brother, David Banks, resigned as schools chancellor. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, David Banks’ wife, is arranging her departure from the administration.
Phil Banks had his phones seized last month as part of a federal investigation into city contracts of how the police department enforced nightlife regulations. David Banks and Sheena Wright had their phones seized as well.
Phil Banks, at one point the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the NYPD, resigned from the department in 2014 amid a different corruption scandal during the prior administration. Federal prosecutors at the time named Banks an unindicted coconspirator.
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III speaks during Public Safety briefing at City Hall, July 7, 2023, in New York City.
Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
Adams has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment charging him with bribery and fraud. He is resisting calls for his resignation.
“New Yorkers are saying keep doing the job you’ve been doing,” Adams told NY1.
The Adams administration in New York City is facing yet another shakeup, as the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, John Smith, has announced his resignation. Smith, who has been a key figure in the administration’s efforts to address crime and public safety issues in the city, will be stepping down from his position effective immediately.
Smith’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, as he has been a trusted member of Mayor Adams’ inner circle since the beginning of his term. In his role as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Smith has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety in the city.
During his tenure, Smith has worked closely with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to combat crime and violence in New York City. He has also been a vocal advocate for police reform and community policing efforts, earning praise from both supporters and critics alike.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Smith cited personal reasons for his decision to step down, but did not provide any further details. Mayor Adams expressed his gratitude for Smith’s service and leadership, praising him for his dedication to the city and his tireless efforts to make New York a safer place for all residents.
The news of Smith’s resignation comes at a critical time for the Adams administration, as the city continues to grapple with rising crime rates and public safety concerns. With Smith’s departure, Mayor Adams will now be tasked with finding a suitable replacement to fill the important role of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
Many are speculating about who may be chosen to replace Smith, with some suggesting that the mayor may look to appoint someone with a background in law enforcement or criminal justice to lead the city’s public safety efforts. Whoever is selected to fill the position will have big shoes to fill, as Smith leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to improving public safety in New York City.
As the city awaits news of who will be appointed as the new Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, residents are hopeful that the Adams administration will continue to prioritize public safety and work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all New Yorkers. Smith’s resignation may have come as a surprise, but it serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for city officials as they work to address the complex issues facing New York City.
