UPDATE: New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has just announced a controversial appointment that is igniting fierce backlash across the city. Community activist and former rapper Mysonne Linen, who has a felony past, will join Mamdani’s transition team focusing on public safety and criminal justice. This decision, revealed in a November 26 Instagram post from the social justice organization Until Freedom, is already causing uproar among New Yorkers.
Linen, a Bronx native and former Def Jam artist, was convicted in 1999 for two armed robberies involving taxi drivers, one of which included violence with a beer bottle. He served seven years in prison before dedicating his life to activism and anti-violence efforts. Critics are questioning the wisdom of appointing someone with such a criminal history to influence the city’s crime policies.
In a post on social media, Jews Fight Back expressed outrage, stating, “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy.” The group labeled the decision as “insane,” calling attention to Linen’s violent past.
Despite the criticism, Linen remains undeterred. He echoed his commitment to change in a recent Instagram post, stating, “We are building something different.” His organization, Until Freedom, describes itself as a pivotal force for community activism and rapid response to injustices, with Linen as a prominent advocate for civic engagement.
Mamdani’s administration, set to officially begin on January 1, 2026, is poised to challenge traditional public safety paradigms in New York City. The appointment is a significant test of how far the city is willing to go in redefining its approach to policing and public safety amid rising crime concerns.
As the debate intensifies, many New Yorkers are left wondering what this means for the future of public safety in the city. Will Mamdani’s progressive vision resonate with the public, or will it face substantial resistance from those worried about crime and safety?
Stay tuned for further developments as Mamdani prepares to take office and implement his vision for a new approach to justice in New York City. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the dialogue around crime, safety, and community advocacy in one of the world’s most populous cities.
