New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is making headlines with his controversial decision to appoint former rapper and community activist Mysonne Linen to his City Hall transition team. This announcement, made via a social media post from the social justice organization Until Freedom on November 26, 2025, has sparked significant debate regarding public safety and criminal justice reform in the city.
Linen, who has a criminal past, joins fellow activists Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto on committees that will advise Mamdani on policies related to crime and policing. The post from Until Freedom expressed pride in the selection, stating, “We are building something different.” However, the implications of Linen’s criminal history have raised alarms among various groups and individuals.
In 1999, Linen was convicted of two felony robberies involving New York City taxi drivers, with one incident reportedly involving a gun and another involving a beer bottle. The prosecutions were supported by testimonies from the victims, Joseph Exiri and Francisco Monsanto, who identified Linen as the perpetrator. During his trial, Linen claimed he was falsely accused, citing his burgeoning music career, which included collaborations with notable artists such as Lil’ Kim and LL Cool J. He served seven years in prison before transitioning to advocacy work focused on social justice and anti-violence initiatives.
Until Freedom, which Linen represents, positions itself as a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to community activism and rapid response to injustices. Linen has emerged as a prominent figure within the organization, often engaging in campaigns aimed at reducing violence and promoting civic participation.
Mamdani’s decision to appoint Linen has drawn immediate criticism, particularly from groups wary of including someone with a violent felony record in a position that influences the city’s public safety framework. The organization Jews Fight Back publicly condemned the appointment on social media, labeling it “insane” and highlighting Linen’s past actions.
In response to the criticism, Linen has remained resolute. He reiterated his commitment to change, stating in his own Instagram post, “We are building something different.” This sentiment reflects the broader vision Mamdani has for his administration, which aims to redefine public safety in New York City.
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, his choices will be closely scrutinized. The inclusion of Linen on his transition team serves as a litmus test for New Yorkers regarding their willingness to embrace a transformative approach to public safety and criminal justice reform. With ongoing debates surrounding crime rates and community safety, the impact of this appointment may resonate throughout the city as Mamdani’s administration begins its work.
