UPDATE: In a bold move that has ignited intense debate, New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed former rapper and community activist Mysonne Linen to his City Hall transition team, specifically for public safety and criminal justice roles. The announcement was made via a social media post by the social-justice organization Until Freedom on November 26, 2025, rather than through official city channels.
This appointment is raising eyebrows, particularly due to Linen’s criminal past. The Bronx native, now 49, was convicted in 1999 for two felony robberies involving taxi drivers, one of which included the use of a beer bottle and another involving a gun. Linen served seven years in prison before dedicating his life to social justice and anti-violence advocacy.
The post by Until Freedom featured Linen alongside prominent activists Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto, celebrating their new roles in shaping policies that will impact public safety in New York City. “We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team,” the organization stated, emphasizing their commitment to “building something different.”
However, the backlash was swift. Critics, including the group Jews Fight Back, took to social media to express outrage over the appointment, labeling it “insane” to have a convicted armed robber influence the city’s policing policies. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they highlighted Linen’s past, stating, “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy.”
Linen remains undeterred by the criticism. He reiterated his mission on Instagram, stating, “We are building something different,” reflecting his commitment to transformative change in public safety.
With Mamdani set to officially take office on January 1, 2026, this appointment will test the limits of New Yorkers’ willingness to embrace a reimagined approach to public safety. As the city prepares for this new leadership, all eyes will be on how these controversial appointments impact the administration’s direction and public perception.
The conversation around public safety is evolving, and this latest development is sure to be a focal point in the weeks and months ahead. Be sure to stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
