New York City Police Commissioner Edward Cavan resigned days after federal agents searched his home, the homes of his brother and other city employees and seized electronic devices.
In his resignation letter, shared with Fox News, Cavan wrote that rank-and-file officers deserve to exercise leadership without interference.
“I have tremendous respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve in this department. The NYPD needs someone who is solely focused on protecting and serving New York City. That is why, for the good of this city and this department, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Police Commissioner,” he wrote.
NYPD Commissioner's brother is ex-cop under investigation for being 'fixer' at NYC clubs: Report
New York City Police (NYPD) Commissioner Edward Cabana speaks at a press conference as officers hold up chains and locks removed during an operation to remove protesters from Columbia University, where a protest camp had been set up in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, USA, May 1, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
Sources told Fox News Digital that Cavan's twin brother, James, is also under investigation in connection with a nightlife consulting business.
Rumors have been swirling for days about his impending resignation in connection with the investigation.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams had little to say to reporters on Tuesday in response to repeated questions about Cavan's fitness to do his job and whether he should resign, saying he had full confidence in the NYPD as a whole.
James Cavan poses in front of the New York City skyline. (James Cavan/Facebook)
“What's important to me, and why I keep saying NYPD, is that Chief Cavan is part of a team, and the whole team has to work,” he said. “The success of the NYPD is not determined by one person.”
New York Post The NYPD reported on Wednesday that one of Cavan's top officials has suspected ties to the Chinese Communist Party and has worked for an organization spreading Chinese propaganda in the U.S. This is the latest in a series of cases of China-linked officials in New York politics.
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Mayor Eric Adams (right) and Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright (left) stand side by side during a press conference at New York City Hall on December 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriye)
Prosecutors last month indicted Linda Sun, a former senior aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hockle, on charges of being a Communist Party agent, visa fraud, alien smuggling and money laundering.
Another aide to Adams, Winnie Greco, was also searched in connection with the campaign fundraising investigation.
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New York Police Commissioner Edward A. Cabán resigned amid the federal investigation. (Lev Ladin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Adams appointed Cabana as the NYPD's first Hispanic chief last July.
Federal agents seized Adams' devices as he was leaving a Manhattan event last year and searched the home of one of his key fundraisers. Adams has denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged last month that he had received a subpoena from federal prosecutors and said he and his team were cooperating with the investigation.
Fox News reporter Landon Mion and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
