UPDATE: New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has just appointed former rapper and community activist Mysonne Linen to his City Hall transition team, igniting immediate backlash over Linen’s criminal past. The announcement, made through a November 26 Instagram post by the social justice organization Until Freedom, has raised alarm among various community groups concerned about public safety.
Linen, 49, who was once signed to Def Jam, served seven years in prison following convictions for two felony robberies of taxi drivers in New York City—one involving a gun and another with a beer bottle. His past has resurfaced as a contentious issue since his selection to Mamdani’s committees on public safety and criminal justice. The post from Until Freedom highlighted Linen’s involvement alongside fellow activists Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto, stating, “We are building something different.”
Critics are voicing strong objections. The organization Jews Fight Back took to X (formerly Twitter) to label the appointment as “insane,” emphasizing the potential implications of placing a convicted armed robber in a role that will influence NYC’s crime and policing policy. The controversy escalated as they tweeted, “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy.”
In response to the outcry, Linen remains unfazed, reiterating his mission through social media. He stated, “We are building something different,” signaling his commitment to changing the narrative around public safety.
Mamdani’s administration, which officially begins on January 1, 2026, will be closely monitored as it navigates this contentious appointment. The move may reflect a broader push for progressive change in public safety policies, but the backlash underscores the challenges ahead.
As this story continues to develop, the implications of Mamdani’s choices will resonate throughout New York City and beyond, raising questions about the future of crime prevention and community relations. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
