Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani isn’t having any of it…
BY SCARLETT CLARKE, IMAGE BY DMITRYSHEIN VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Zohran Mamdani has clapped back at criticism from Elon Musk over his appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as the new FDNY commissioner, making her the second woman and first openly gay person to serve in the role.
Bonsignore brings 31 years of experience with Emergency Medical Services (EMS). She also served as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks and later led the EMS division throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Musk took to X to criticise Bonsignore’s appointment because Bonsignore has “never served as a firefighter.” Musk argued that “people will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”
Mamdani was quick to rebuff the criticism, highlighting Bonsignore’s vast experience. He said: “Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS. You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?”
Mamdani also praised Bonsignore’s leadership in a statement to City & State New York ahead of the announcement, describing her as the ideal candidate for the role. He said: “Bonsignore’s calm, decisive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic – when EMS professionals were more vital than ever – is exactly the kind of leadership our city needs in moments of uncertainty.”
Bonsignore also defended her record. She said: “I know what the firefighters need, and I can translate that to this administration, who is willing to listen.”
“I have been EMS for 30-plus years,” Bonsignore added. “And now you have a commissioner that could start an IV.”
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