FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker Opens Up About His ‘Emotional Decision’ to Step Down After Mamdani’s Mayoral Victory

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker recently announced his resignation just a day after Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race. In his first interview since stepping down, Tucker shared that his decision stemmed from significant ideological differences with the new mayor. Appointed in August 2024, Tucker expressed that he feels unable to continue in a senior role under someone whose views clash with his own.

Interestingly, while Mamdani, who is poised to be the first Muslim mayor of New York City, accepted the continuation of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tucker still has concerns. Before the election, Mamdani softened his criticism of the police and distanced himself from calls to defund them. Yet Tucker noted that many first responders remain skeptical of Mamdani’s intentions, particularly regarding Mamdani’s controversial statements about Israel.

Tucker, who is Jewish, mentioned that Mamdani’s views could impact the Jewish community’s trust. Despite 31% of Jewish voters supporting Mamdani, many prominent figures, including Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, have voiced concerns over his past rhetoric. “Words are one thing; actions speak louder,” Tucker remarked, emphasizing the need for the mayor-elect to demonstrate genuine support for the Jewish community.

Recent surveys show a divide among voters. Mamdani won every borough except Staten Island, with a notable 65% of Jewish voters backing his opponent, Andrew Cuomo. This disparity suggests that Mamdani has a lot of work ahead to gain the trust of diverse communities, especially amidst ongoing discussions about antisemitism and community safety.

In a moment of community tension, activists protested outside a synagogue, which prompted mixed reactions. Mamdani’s spokesperson later commented that he discouraged inflammatory language. Tucker argued that a stronger, clearer condemnation from Mamdani would have been more reassuring.

As Tucker prepares to leave, he indicated that he hasn’t received any communication from Mamdani or his team. “I hope this isn’t a sign of how they feel about the FDNY,” he said, joking about the lack of outreach.

The shift in leadership comes with many expectations. Experts in city politics now watch closely to see how Mamdani addresses community concerns and rebuilds trust among city departments. Addressing such complex issues is critical not just for city safety but for maintaining social cohesion in a diverse metropolis.

For more insights on the political landscape in New York City, you can check out CBS News.

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FDNY, Zohran Mamdani