New York City‘s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has made a controversial appointment to his transition team by selecting community activist and former rapper Mysonne Linen for a role focused on public safety. This decision has ignited significant debate across the city, particularly given Linen’s criminal history.
The announcement emerged on November 26, 2025, through an Instagram post by Until Freedom, a social-justice organization where Linen plays a key leadership role. The post highlighted Linen alongside fellow activists Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto, celebrating their selection to Mamdani’s committees addressing public safety and criminal justice. “We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team,” the organization stated. “We are building something different.”
Linen, now 49, has a complicated past. He was convicted in 1999 for two felony robberies involving taxi drivers, one of which included the use of a gun. Prosecutors alleged that he participated in the robbery of cab driver Joseph Exiri in 1997 and Francisco Monsanto in 1998. Both victims testified against him during the trial. His defense argued that he had no motive for such crimes, as he was pursuing a music career at the time, having written for notable artists such as Lil’ Kim and Mase. Linen has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting he was falsely accused. He served seven years in prison before turning his focus to social justice and anti-violence advocacy.
Until Freedom, which describes itself as “the definitive non-profit organization for community activism, education, and rapid response to tragedies resulting from injustice,” has made Linen one of its most recognizable figures. He frequently promotes campaigns aimed at reducing violence and encouraging civic engagement.
Mamdani’s decision has sparked immediate criticism from various groups, particularly those wary of appointing someone with a violent felony record to influence policies on public safety. A statement from the group Jews Fight Back on X (formerly Twitter) condemned the appointment: “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy.” They labeled the move as “insane.”
Despite the backlash, Linen appears undeterred. He reiterated his commitment to his vision on Instagram, stating, “We are building something different.” Mamdani, who is set to take office on January 1, 2026, faces a significant challenge as he navigates public opinion and expectations surrounding his administration’s approach to public safety and justice reform.
As New Yorkers prepare for Mamdani’s inauguration, the appointment of Mysonne Linen is poised to test the limits of the city’s willingness to embrace a reimagined approach to public safety, one that incorporates voices from within the community, even those with controversial pasts.
