Elon Musk slams Zohran Mamdani's choice of FDNY commissioner with eerie 3-word warning

Elon Musk has criticised Zohran Mamdani's choice after he selected the new head of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

Mamdani triumphed last month when he was elected as mayor of NYC.

In what was described as a 'historic' win, the 34-year-old is the first Muslim, South Asian, and the youngest person in a century to be elected as New York's mayor.

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, has expressed several policy ideas, including creating a universal childcare program, making city buses 'fast and free', and taxing the city's wealthiest residents (via CNN).

This week, Mamdani - who will take office on January 1 - appointed Lillian Bonsignore, a 31-year-old FDNY veteran, as commissioner.

"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 on X.

Meanwhile, Bonsignore said in a news conference: "I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner.

"This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people."

Not everyone was pleased, with Musk taking to X to criticise the appointment.

He wrote: "People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake."

But Mamdani was quick to respond, replying to Musk's tweet: "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?"

Despite some criticism over the move, Mamdani has also been praised for appointing Bonsignore.

Over on LinkedIn, former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh - the first woman to be appointed in the role - praised the decision, writing: “When I was sworn in, I said it only meant something to be first if I wasn’t the last. I’m so happy I didn’t have to wait long for that to be the case.

“Mayor-elect Mamdani has made a terrific choice, and the City and FDNY are lucky to have her.”

Bonsignore will begin the role once Mamdani has taken office on January 1.

The appointment comes as current Mayor Eric Adams made an announcement earlier this week, naming a new fire commissioner for the final days of his administration.

"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.