Phil Banks, NYC deputy mayor of public safety, resigns amid wave of Adams officials departures

Phil Banks, the deputy major for public safety and one of Major Eric Adams’ closest advisers, has resigned.

Adams confirmed the news, which was first reported by the NY Post, on Monday morning during an interview on NY1.

“We spoke yesterday and we spoke again this morning, and he stated he wants to transition to some other things with his life, and he doesn’t want this to be a constant burden on the work that we’re doing in the city, Adams said. “I wish my good friend well.”

Phil Banks has been among Adams’ top aides under federal scrutiny. Authorities last month raided Phil Banks’ home as part of an investigation, which reportedly involves Phil’s youngest brother, Terence Banks, a retired MTA supervisor who recently founded a government relations firm.

Phil Banks’ resignation comes just days after City Hall announced that his brother, Schools Chancellor David Banks, would be leaving his position earlier than previously stated, on Oct. 16 instead of Dec. 31.

Federal agents took David Banks’ phones on Sept. 4 During a search of the home he shares with his partner, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Wright’s phones were also seized. Wright is also expected to resign, according to sources. But on Monday, Adams declined to comment on that news.

Both Banks brothers’ resignations come shortly after Adams himself was indicted and accused of taking from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors.

Phil Banks is the seventh senior Adams administration official to resign in the last few weeks.

This story has been updated to correct a photo of Phil Banks. A previous version misidentified him in an image and caption.