NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams abruptly cut short a meeting at the White House on Thursday following FBI and NYPD raids at various locations in New York, including the residence of his top campaign fundraiser. The reason for his sudden departure from Washington remains undisclosed, but sources revealed that it was related to an international investigation into “foreign government influence peddling.”
Adams addressed the situation in a statement, acknowledging the reports involving one of his campaign staffers and reassuring compliance with any inquiries. He also emphasized his commitment to continue running the city and stated that he had not been personally contacted regarding the investigation.
The campaign counsel confirmed that the mayor has not been contacted about the probe, and the extent of involvement of individuals within Adams’ circle remains unclear.
Early in the morning, an FBI raid took place in a quiet neighborhood in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Agents, some in raid jackets and others in plain clothes, were seen carrying evidence boxes from the home of the mayor’s chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. This prompted Adams to cancel his White House meeting on the migrant crisis and return to New York.
City Hall provided a brief statement, indicating that the mayor had returned to address a matter. Sources revealed that the Crown Heights raid was part of an international investigation into “foreign government influence peddling,” although the specifics and number of individuals implicated within the mayor’s circle were not disclosed.
One source mentioned that the federal probe may involve a foreign country, potentially Turkey, which Adams had visited prior to taking office.
The mayor’s campaign counsel reiterated that Adams has not been contacted as part of the inquiry and emphasized his commitment to high campaign standards.
Calls to City Hall regarding the matter were redirected to the campaign office due to the first raid taking place at Suggs’ Crown Heights residence. During the raid, FBI agents from a public corruption squad reportedly questioned Suggs, who has not been charged with any crime. The contents of the evidence boxes being loaded into a black van remain unknown.
Adams posted on social media from his flight to Washington before the sudden decision to return to New York.
Suggs, in addition to working for the campaign, has received nearly $100,000 in payments over the past two years. She is also involved in fundraising and lobbying activities.
Deputy Mayor Fabian Levy released a statement later in the afternoon, explaining that the mayor was made aware of an issue related to the campaign and wanted to address it promptly. Levy confirmed that Adams intends to reschedule the meetings in Washington as soon as possible.
No arrests have been made, no charges have been filed, and according to the mayor’s lawyer, Adams has not been contacted regarding the investigation.
