FBI searches NYPD interim commissioner Donlon’s home

Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the homes of NYPD interim commissioner Thomas Donlon just a week after he assumed the role. In a statement on Saturday night, Donlon confirmed the search, which took place on Friday, September 20th. He noted that authorities seized materials he possessed for about 20 years, unrelated to his duties with the NYPD.

Donlon, previously an FBI official, emphasised that the warrant was not connected to the NYPD, and the department will not make any comments on the matter. Law enforcement officials indicated the search pertained to documents Donlon might have kept from his earlier roles. There is no evidence linking the warrant to ongoing corruption probes involving City Hall.

The reason for the search, decades after Donlon left government roles, remains unclear. An FBI spokesman in New York declined to comment on the specifics of the warrant or whether the documents sought were classified.

Feds raid home of interim NYPD Commish Thomas Donlon — week after predecessor Edward Caban resigned pic.twitter.com/TZLZFTtrqt

— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2024

Donlon’s appointment as Interim Police Commissioner came just over a week ago, following the resignation of Edward Caban amid a federal investigation. This resignation was the first notable departure from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration since four separate federal investigations began targeting Adams’ office and the NYPD.

Caban, who served for 13 months, remarked that recent developments had distracted the department. He stated he could not allow his focus to be diverted from the department’s critical work and the safety of its officers.

Caban’s exit followed reports that the US Attorney’s Office for New York’s Southern District had seized his electronic devices. The investigation involves Caban’s brother and enforcement activities around New York City nightclubs, according to a source familiar with the probe. Several of the mayor’s staff members are currently under investigation by US attorneys in New York’s Eastern and Southern Districts.

Feds raid home of interim NYPD Commish Thomas Donlon — week after predecessor Edward Caban resigned pic.twitter.com/TZLZFTtrqt

— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2024

Mayor Adams expressed surprise at these inquiries, stressing their seriousness at a recent news conference. Fabien Levy, Adams’ spokesperson, reiterated on Sunday that they expect all team members to fully comply with law enforcement inquiries. Adams had appointed Donlon as interim NYPD commissioner on September 12, following Caban’s resignation. Adams stated it was the best decision at the time and wished Caban well.

Adams highlighted Donlon’s extensive law enforcement experience at local, state, federal, and international levels in his announcement. Donlon previously served as New York’s director of the Office of Homeland Security and led both the FBI’s National Threat Center and the FBI-NYPD joint terrorist task force.

Donlon expressed his honour at being named interim commissioner, outlining his goals to continue reducing crime, remove illegal guns, uphold integrity and transparency, and support officers.