Who is Mysonne Linen? Zohran Mamdani appoints ex-con rapper as criminal justice adviser on transition team
Posted on: Dec 09, 2025 06:21 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is veneer betimes turbulence in the lead-up to his Jan. 1 swearing-in, after one of his transition team picks ignited questions from law-enforcement groups and conservative commentators. The blowback centers on his decision to pick a controversial figure for the committees shaping his public safety and criminal legal system agenda. The individual in question is Mysonne Linen, a rapper-turned-activist with a criminal past.
The appointment first surfaced publicly in a late November Instagram post by the social-justice organization Until Freedom, which praised Mamdani for bringing community voices directly into policy discussions. But as news spread, police unions, advocacy groups and former NYPD officials questioned whether the incoming mayor’s choice signaled an erosion of confidence in the city’s safety priorities.
Also Read: Where is Gracie Mansion? 5 facts on the $100 million estate Zohran Mamdani is moving into
Linen, 49, is a Bronx native who once appeared poised for a major music career, even landing a deal with Def Jam before legal troubles derailed his rise. As reported by Fox News and the New York Post, he was convicted in 1999 of two armed robberies involving taxi drivers, in cases where both victims identified him in court.
Prosecutors said he participated in a 1997 robbery in which one driver was struck with a beer bottle, and a 1998 holdup where a driver was allegedly threatened at gunpoint. Linen maintained he had been falsely accused but ultimately served seven years of a potential 25-year sentence before being paroled in 2006.
Read More: Zohran Mamdani urges immigrants to keep doors closed, ‘stand up’ to ICE in new message
Following his release, Linen rebuilt his identity as a community activist. He became a “violence interrupter,” volunteered at Rikers Island, founded Rising Kings to mentor incarcerated men, and eventually co-founded Until Freedom with Tamika Mallory and Angelo Pinto, a group deeply involved in gun-violence prevention and justice reform.
Until Freedom publicly celebrated Mamdani’s move, declaring in a Nov. 26 Instagram post, “We are building something different.” Linen echoed the message on his own channels.
Law-enforcement figures reacted swiftly. Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, told the New York Post that appointing individuals with felony convictions to shape public-safety policy was “deeply disturbing.”
Recently retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell similarly condemned the pick, saying it aligned with other questionable decisions by the mayor-elect.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.