President Donald Trump is in his term as the President of the United States, and the nation's cities continue to grapple with criminal justice reform and community relations. In this context, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Mysonne Linen, a former convict and current activist, to serve on the mayoral transition's criminal justice committee. Linen, 49, served seven years in state prison for armed robbery in the late 1990s but has since been involved in advocacy and violence prevention efforts.
"It is both disheartening and deeply disturbing that individuals who are convicted felons and have a history of breaking the law are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of New York’s criminal justice system," said Benny Boscio to the Post.
The Bronx resident expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment on social media, emphasizing his history of activism and dedication to improving black and brown communities. Linen's appointment reflects a trend in criminal justice policy that considers the insights of those with firsthand experience in the system.
Controversy surrounds the appointment due to Linen's criminal history, which includes convictions for two taxi driver robberies in the Bronx. Released on parole in 2006 after serving the minimum term of his seven to 14-year sentence, Linen has maintained his innocence and turned his attention to community work. He founded Rising Kings, a nonprofit that provides educational programs to inmates at Rikers Island, and co-founded Until Freedom with Linda Sarsour, focusing on social justice advocacy.
Law enforcement organizations and officials have voiced strong concerns about Linen's role in shaping the city's criminal justice policies. Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, and retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell have criticized the appointment, suggesting it could undermine public safety.
Linen's case is not isolated, as other appointments to the transition team have also been contentious. Vincent Schiraldi, for instance, faced allegations of mismanagement, and Mamdani's team has been criticized for administrative errors during the announcement of committee members.
Mamdani's transition team, approximately 400 strong across 17 committees, includes figures from the New York City Democratic Socialists of America and individuals with anti-police and anti-establishment backgrounds. The mayor-elect's choices have prompted concern from various groups, and social media reactions have been notably critical, with some describing the situation as handing the city over to "radicals, extremists, and outright terrorists."
Despite these concerns, Linen's appointment serves as a testament to the evolving debate over criminal justice reform and the role of reformed individuals in policy-making. His experience on both sides of the justice system could provide valuable insights into the complexities of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.
