“People will die because of this,” he stated on X, responding to a video highlighting that Bonsignore has never fought fires. “Proven experience is crucial when lives are on the line,” he noted.
Bonsignore dedicated 31 years to the FDNY as an emergency medical technician before retiring in 2022. She will be the second woman to head the department and its first openly-gay commissioner. The appointment has received support from unions representing firefighters, FDNY officers, and medics.
Musk’s post garnered over 25 million views within 24 hours and accumulated more than 184,000 likes. Others on social media expressed skepticism about the appointment. “Here we go again,” commented Megyn Kelly.
Breanna Morello remarked, “Zohran Mamdani appointed Lillian Bonsignore as the new FDNY Commissioner. The only issue is…she’s never been a firefighter. Just a tip, you can’t extinguish flames with rainbow flags.”
Eric Daugherty described the decision as “a freaking train wreck” and added, “Glad I don’t live in NYC.”
Supporters also defended Bonsignore’s appointment. Retired NYPD Lt. John Macari pointed out that the last two FDNY commissioners appointed by Mayor Eric Adams lacked operational FDNY experience, noting that the current NYPD commissioner has no law-enforcement background either. He emphasized that Bonsignore has 30 years of EMS experience and that most FDNY responses are EMS-related.
Former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh praised the appointment on LinkedIn. “When I was sworn in, I said it only meant something to be first if I wasn’t the last. I’m thrilled I didn’t have to wait long for that to change,” she wrote.
She remarked, “Mayor-elect Mamdani has made a fantastic choice, and the City and FDNY are fortunate to have her.” Kavanagh served from February 2022 to August 2024 and also lacked firefighting experience.
Bonsignore will take on her new role after Mamdani is inaugurated on January 1. Her appointment comes as Mayor Eric Adams separately announced Mark Guerra as fire commissioner to complete his term following Robert Tucker’s resignation. Guerra had been serving as interim commissioner.
Mamdani responded to Musk online, stating, “Experience does matter, which is why I appointed someone with more than 30 years at EMS.” He added, “You know, the workforce that handles at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?”
(With input from agencies)
