Elon Musk criticized incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday over his decision to appoint a longtime emergency medical services official as the next commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York, prompting a public exchange that drew responses from both Mamdani and the appointee.
[snip]
Writing on X, Musk argued that the appointment could have serious consequences. “People will die because of this,” Musk wrote.
“Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”
Mamdani, who is set to take office on Jan. 1, named Bonsignore earlier this week.
Bonsignore is a 31-year veteran of the FDNY who spent her career within the department’s emergency medical services division.
[snip]
“The first woman to achieve a 4-star rank in FDNY history, she’s joining us as the FDNY Commissioner to bring her crisis leadership and operational expertise to this administration,” Mamdani wrote.
Bonsignore will be only the second woman to serve as FDNY commissioner and the first openly gay person to hold the position.
[snip]
“Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS,” Mamdani wrote.
“You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?”
Bonsignore addressed her appointment publicly during a news conference on Tuesday, where she acknowledged the responsibility of leading the nation’s largest municipal fire department.
“I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner,” Bonsignore said.
“This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people.”
[snip]
Adams named FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra to a senior leadership role within the department.
Adams defended his decision in a statement released Tuesday, emphasizing continuity and experience within city government.
“Under our administration, keeping New Yorkers safe and protected has always been our North Star, and having principled, qualified public servants in place to lead our critical public safety agencies is crucial to fulfilling that goal; there’s no person who meets those high standards (like) Commissioner Mark Guerra,” Adams said.
[snip]
“Lillian’s light is one that can’t be dimmed by anything else that takes place,” Mamdani said, according to FOX 5.
“The mayor is free to continue to be the mayor until the end of this year and make decisions as such.”
[snip]
Mamdani’s appointment of Bonsignore places a career EMS leader at the head of the department as the city prepares for a change in administration at the start of the new year.
* Original Article:
Elon Musk Blasts Zohran Mamdani’s Lesbian FDNY Commissioner Pick