Federal authorities conducted a search of the home belonging to Brianna Suggs, a prominent fundraiser and ally of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on Thursday. The search took place on the same day that Mayor Adams abruptly canceled meetings in Washington and returned to New York City. The reason for the raid remains unclear, and Suggs has not provided any comment on the matter. A spokesperson for Suggs declined to comment as well. The FBI and prosecutors have not issued any immediate statements regarding the search.
Witnesses reported that FBI agents arrived at Suggs’ Brooklyn residence at around 7:30 a.m. and remained there for approximately two hours. Video footage captured by a witness showed multiple FBI officers dressed in suits and bulletproof vests at the scene, with at least one cardboard box being carried out.
This search comes amidst increased scrutiny of individuals close to Mayor Adams by law enforcement officials. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is currently investigating an alleged straw donor scheme involving the mayor’s reelection campaign, although neither Adams nor anyone in his administration is implicated. Additionally, Bragg has accused the mayor’s former buildings commissioner of abusing his authority for personal gain, with no implication of Adams in the complaint.
Brianna Suggs has a longstanding history with Mayor Adams, having worked as an intern during his tenure as Brooklyn borough president. She continued to work at Borough Hall until the end of Adams’ term in 2021. Suggs played a role in fundraising for Adams’ 2021 election campaign and is currently involved in his reelection efforts for the 2025 race. Suggs’ firm, Suggs Solutions, has received payments from Adams’ reelection campaign for campaign consulting. She has also been involved in lobbying the city on behalf of the owner of the East Broadway Mall and fundraising for a committee tied to the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
Mayor Adams, who had been en route to Washington for meetings with federal lawmakers and the White House, abruptly changed course and returned to New York City. His office provided a cryptic statement, mentioning that he needed to deal with “a matter.” The mayor’s spokesperson did not comment on the FBI raid.
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn defended Suggs, expressing confidence that she had not done anything wrong. Bichotte Hermelyn stated that Suggs had volunteered for political events for the party and had not been paid. There are no campaign finance filings indicating any payments to Suggs. Bichotte Hermelyn had not been in contact with the mayor or his team on Thursday.
