NYC police commissioner resigns amid nightclub probe



New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Thursday amid a federal investigation into the department's nightclub enforcement, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Caban, who became the city's first Latino police commissioner in July 2023 after being appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, decided to step down following reports that his administration is under federal scrutiny. Adams' administration is currently facing multiple federal investigations.

In an email to NYPD members obtained by NBC News, Caban explained, "The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD." He continued, "I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department. The NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City. For the good of this city and this department, I have made the difficult decision to resign as police commissioner."

Later on Thursday, Mayor Adams announced the appointment of Thomas Donlon as interim police commissioner. Donlon, a national security expert, previously led the FBI’s National Threat Center and the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force. He also served as the New York state director of the Office of Homeland Security.

Caban’s phone was seized last week, coinciding with FBI raids on the homes of top Adams administration officials, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. Caban's twin brother, James Caban, who runs a nightclub security business, also had his phone seized in connection with the corruption probe involving the NYPD.

Federal investigators are examining whether James Caban profited from his relationship with his brother and the NYPD. They are specifically investigating claims that James Caban may have been paid by bars and clubs in Midtown Manhattan and Queens to act as a police liaison, potentially leading to preferential treatment from local precincts.

Lawyers for Edward Caban described him as an "accomplished public servant who has dedicated his life to the safety and security of the people of this great city." They added, "We have been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government," according to Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski.

Spokespersons for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Over the past year, FBI agents have conducted searches at the homes of several city officials and advisers close to Mayor Eric Adams, as part of a separate investigation. This probe is believed to focus on whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to obtain illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources through intermediary donors.

A City Hall source indicated last week that the most recent search appeared unrelated to the Turkey investigation.

Mayor Adams has consistently avoided addressing questions about the ongoing investigation, maintaining that he has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. "I was as surprised as you to learn of these inquiries and I take them extremely seriously," Adams said on Thursday.

He announced that he accepted Caban’s resignation shortly before, concluding that it was "the best decision at this time." Adams added, "I respect his decision, and I wish him well."