FDNY Commissioner Resigns Just Hours After Zohran Mamdani’s Election as New York City Mayor Sparks Controversy.NN
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker handed in his resignation Wednesday morning — just one day after Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor, The Post has learned.
Tucker, a proud Jewish philanthropist and businessman, informed Mayor Eric Adams that he would step down from the role he has held for just over 12 months on December 19, according to sources.
The FDNY boss was concerned about Mamdani’s anti-Israel hostility, with a source noting that Tucker’s support of the Jewish state “does not align with the new mayor.”
Tucker will go back to running the private security firm, T&M USA, which he headed before joining Adams’ administration.
The New York City-based company is connected to a firm based in Israel.
Tucker didn’t address the reason for his departure in a statement but vowed to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 35th New York City Fire Commissioner,” the commish said.
“Thank you to Mayor Adams for his trust and confidence in doing this job. We empowered the brave men and women who keep our city safe, bringing fire-related deaths to a historic low.
“I will leave this critical role on December 19, 2025. Between now and then, I will continue to lead the greatest fire department in the world and will ensure an orderly transition.”
News of Tucker’s resignation came just as the FDNY boss was set to fly to Israel later Wednesday to meet with a fire commissioner in the Jewish state.
Mamdani has been a longtime vocal critic of Israel — and defiantly stood by his stance on the campaign trail, despite the Big Apple being home to the largest Jewish diaspora outside of Israel.
During one of the mayoral debates, the 34-year-old socialist refused to say Israel had a right to exist as a Jewish state.
He also repeatedly slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accused the nation of committing a genocide in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack.
Mamdani even vowed to arrest Netanyahu if he set foot in New York City.
The Mayor-elect’s transition team pointed to comments he made during a Wednesday press conference when asked about Tucker’s exit.
“I am willing to consider anyone to work in my City Hall so long as they are committed to working for my administration and to delivering on an agenda to lower costs for New Yorkers in the most expensive city in the United States,” Mamdani told reporters.
Tucker stepped in to lead the department in August 2024, replacing Laura Kavanagh, who endured a tumultuous tenure at the helm.
Adams, for his part, said Tucker has led the FDNY with “courage, passion, and a sincere dedication to public safety.”
“When I appointed Commissioner Tucker to this critical role, I knew he’d have the experience, grit, and zeal to protect our city and support our fearless heroes – the firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who put their lives on the line for New York every day,” Hizzoner said on Wednesday.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Thanks for signing up!
“Under his leadership, we’ve decreased fire-related deaths in our city to the lowest in a decade, modernized the FDNY, and empowered the brave men and women who keep our city safe. We are incredibly grateful for Commissioner Tucker’s service and look forward to seeing what he’ll do next.”
A replacement has not been announced, but city officials said a new FDNY leader will be in place by the time Tucker leaves office.
Follow The Post’s live updates of Zohran Mamdani’s election as NYC mayor
Tucker, 55, founded T&M in 1999. Before that, he worked as a special assistant for the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
He’s also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including serving as secretary of the FDNY Foundation, and has received honors from the New York Board of Rabbis and Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.
His Jewish faith was on clear and proud display when his father held a copy of the Tanach – the Hebrew bible – at his swearing-in ceremony, according to the Jewish News Syndicate.
It was the same bible that was reportedly used for his bar mitzvah.
