UPDATE: New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has just appointed former rapper and activist Mysonne Linen to his transition team, igniting an intense backlash over public safety concerns. This controversial decision was announced in a post on social media by the social-justice organization Until Freedom on December 8, 2025.
Linen, a Bronx native, has a criminal history that includes two felony robbery convictions from 1999, raising alarms among critics. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in armed robberies targeting taxi drivers. In one instance, he allegedly assaulted a victim with a beer bottle. Critics are already questioning the appropriateness of appointing someone with a violent felony record to influence the city’s crime and policing policies.
The announcement of Linen’s role was made alongside fellow activists Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto, as part of Mamdani’s vision for a new approach to public safety and criminal justice. The organization’s post stated, “We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team. We are building something different.”
However, the immediate response has been fierce. The group Jews Fight Back voiced their outrage on social media, stating, “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy. Meet Mysonne Linen.” Their condemnation reflects widespread concern over trusting someone with Linen’s background in a role that impacts public safety.
Linen, undeterred by the criticism, reaffirmed his commitment to change, echoing his previous statements, “We are building something different.” His work with Until Freedom has focused on anti-violence campaigns and promoting civic engagement, positioning him as a prominent figure in the fight for social justice.
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, this appointment will serve as a litmus test for how New Yorkers perceive the reimagining of public safety under his leadership. The debate over this decision underscores the ongoing tensions between progressive reform and public safety concerns in one of the world’s largest cities.
With tensions escalating, all eyes are on Mamdani as his administration begins to unfold. Will New Yorkers embrace this bold approach to public safety, or will the backlash shape a different narrative in the coming weeks? Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to unfold.
