FBI agents raided the NYPD's School Safety Division headquarters in Queens on Thursday as part of an investigation into the city's contract, officials said.
The raid is the latest to target the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, a former senior aide and longtime friend of Mr. Hizzoner who is under intense scrutiny for allegedly selecting contractors in exchange for kickbacks. It appears to be related to the investigation of a certain Tim Pearson.
Officials said agents raided the company's Queens Plaza North headquarters in Long Island City on Thursday afternoon and seized documents and records related to the Panic Button contract that Pearson allegedly greenlighted.
Sources say up-and-coming former school safety director Kevin Taylor also had his cellphone taken by federal authorities.
Sources say Terrence Banks, brother of expelled student David Banks, is also involved in the investigation behind the raid.
Sources say federal authorities have revealed that one of Terrence Banks' clients, Saferwatch, a tech company that sells a “panic button” app for schools to use in mass shooting emergencies, had a high-profile meeting with the prime minister. They say they are investigating how the records of the level talks were recorded. Pearson is said to have later given the green light to the deal.
Taylor previously held a key role in the school safety department, but was transferred earlier this year.
— Additional reporting by Tina Moore
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
