Published on November 30, 2023, 1:22 am

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that his chief political fundraiser, 25-year-old Brianna Suggs, is stepping down from the position. Her Brooklyn home was raided by federal agents about a month ago which has sparked ongoing investigations into Adams and his campaign.

Despite previously voicing full confidence in Suggs’ fundraising capabilities, Adams announced her departure from this role on Tuesday. “She is no longer doing fundraising for the campaign,” he stated to members of the press.

Although Mayor Adams refrained from further comments regarding Suggs’ situation, sources close to his campaign revealed that Suggs would still be part of the team but in a different capacity as they gear up for his 2025 re-election bid.

In earlier interviews following the raid of her home, Adams had commended Suggs for her considerable skills as a fundraiser. He emphasized her exceptional track record in his campaigns and attested to her integrity and diligence. Additionally, he acknowledged Suggs’ rise from an intern to running one of the key components of his political campaigns.

Suggs raised an estimated $2.5 million for Adam’s forthcoming reelection but has yet to release any statements regarding recent events or reports.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s public corruption program conducted an unexpected search at Sugg’s residence on November 2. This action set off an extensive series of probes into Mayor Adams’ campaign activities that saw multiple residences searched and various electronic devices seized.

Amongst FBI interests were potential ties between Adams’ campaign and Turkish government through a Brooklyn construction firm. Authorities also sought specifics on donations originating from Bay Atlantic University located in Washington D.C., founded by a Turkish individual.

News about the raid caused disruptions in Mayor Adam’s commitments where he cancelled several meetings initially set to discuss pressing immigration issues affecting New York City amongst other U.S locations.

In response to this development, Mayor Adams issued a statement asserting his commitment to ensuring adherence to the law by every member of his staff and expressed readiness to fully cooperate with any investigation. He also confirmed that several devices including two cellphones and an iPad were seized but later returned.

Simultaneously, federal agents conducted a search at the home of Rana Abbasova, Mayor Adam’s personal assistant and staff member of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs. She was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Neither Adams nor Suggs have been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to these investigations. A representative from Crowell & Moring, Suggs’ legal representatives, has expressed their intent to cooperate fully with officials conducting the ongoing probe.