Is New York City’s future safety policy being shaped by a past armed robber? Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has raised eyebrows by appointing Mysonne Linen, a man with a serious criminal history, to his transition team for public safety and criminal justice, as Fox News reports.
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, his choice of Linen, a 49-year-old rapper with felony convictions, has sparked heated debate over the direction of the city’s approach to crime and policing.
Let’s start with the timeline: Linen, a Bronx native, was convicted in 1999 for his role in two violent armed robberies targeting taxi drivers. The first incident, on June 8, 1997, left driver Joseph Exiri injured by a beer bottle, while the second, on March 31, 1998, saw Francisco Monsanto held at gunpoint for cash and valuables. Prosecutors confirmed Linen was part of a group behind these attacks, as both victims identified him in court.
Despite facing up to 25 years behind bars, Linen served seven years and maintained he was wrongly accused. His defense at the time pointed to his budding music career, writing for big names like Lil’ Kim and Mase, with tracks lined up for an album alongside LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes. Yet, the jury didn’t buy the argument, and the convictions stuck.
Fast forward to today, Linen has reinvented himself as a community activist, tied to Until Freedom, a social justice group based in New York City. He’s often seen advocating for anti-violence programs and civic involvement, a shift from his past life as a Def Jam artist. But does a personal turnaround erase the weight of violent crimes when shaping public policy?
On November 26, 2025, Until Freedom announced Linen’s role on Mamdani’s team via Instagram, framing it as a victory for their mission. “We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team,” the post declared, touting expertise in gun violence prevention and reform. While their passion is evident, one wonders if progressive zeal overshadows the practical concerns of everyday New Yorkers.
Not everyone is cheering this appointment, especially after Mamdani secured victory on a progressive platform. Critics, including the group Jews Fight Back, took to X with sharp words: “Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just appointed a convicted armed robber to help shape NYC’s crime and policing policy.” Their label of the move as “insane” echoes a broader unease about prioritizing ideological wins over proven track records in safety governance.
Until Freedom, where Linen holds a leadership spot, bills itself on its website as a key player in community activism and rapid response to injustice. The organization pushes for financial support through various donation channels, signaling a well-organized effort. Yet, in a city craving stability, is this the right voice for crafting policies on crime?
Mamdani’s choice reflects a broader trend in progressive circles, where redemption narratives often trump hard realities. While second chances matter, placing someone with Linen’s history in a role tied to public safety feels like a gamble many taxpayers might not be willing to take. It’s a classic case of ideals clashing with pragmatism.
Looking at Linen’s journey, there’s no denying he’s worked to reshape his image through activism. But when violent felonies from the late 1990s—crimes against hardworking cab drivers—linger in the record, public trust becomes a steep hill to climb. New Yorkers deserve clarity on how this fits a coherent safety strategy.
The backlash isn’t just noise on social media; it’s a signal of deeper concern about leadership choices. With crime a perennial worry in the city, Mamdani’s team selections are under a microscope. Will this appointment inspire confidence or fuel further skepticism?
Efforts to get comments from Linen, Until Freedom, and Mamdani’s office have been made, as reported by Fox News Digital on December 8, 2025. Silence so far only amplifies the questions swirling around this decision. Transparency, not platitudes, is what’s needed now.
Progressive agendas often lean on stories of personal change, and Linen’s arc from felon to advocate fits that mold. But policy isn’t a feel-good movie—it’s about results for a city weary of crime stats. Mamdani must weigh if this choice truly serves the public or just a narrow ideological base.
What’s at stake here isn’t just one appointment; it’s the signal it sends about priorities. If safety policies are shaped by those with troubling pasts, will the focus stay on protecting citizens or on pushing systemic overhauls? That’s the tightrope Mamdani walks as January 1, 2026, approaches.
In the end, New York City’s future demands a balance of compassion and accountability. While redemption is a noble goal, public safety isn’t a testing ground for unproven experiments. Mamdani’s early moves suggest a rocky road ahead unless grounded reasoning takes the wheel.
