A former staff member of ex-Mayor Eric Adams has made a return to city government, even as he continues to pursue legal action against the city over claims of discrimination related to his dismissal two years ago.
Hassan Naveed has been appointed by the Mamdani administration as the chief of staff for the deputy mayor focused on community safety. He expressed his excitement about the role on social media, calling it a “thrilling” opportunity.
“I am deeply grateful to Deputy Mayor Renita Francois for this incredible opportunity and her leadership as we develop the city’s inaugural unified, enduring community safety agency,” Naveed shared on LinkedIn.
“It is a significant honor to work under the guidance of Mayor Zohran K Mamdani to ensure that safety in New York City is proactive, integrated, and attentive to the needs of our communities.”
Naveed previously worked with Adams as the executive director for the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes for approximately 18 months.
In his lawsuit, he contends that his termination was due to a “hostile work environment” influenced by anti-Muslim sentiments, alleging that he was a victim of “repeated discrimination based on his Muslim faith and South Asian heritage.”
Naveed and other Muslim members of the team raised concerns of the behavior after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, but claims in the suit then-Mayor Adams brushed it aside.
The suit quotes Adams as saying, “I don’t know the difference between a Palestinian, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, I have no idea.”
He continued to play down any allegations, telling Naveed that Muslims were facing discrimination because they had not denounced Hamas, the suit adds.
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Naveed says he recorded the conversation but did not release the audio.
A spokesperson for Adams at that time claimed Hassan was let go due to “poor performance.”
Naveed, who served on the Mamdani transition team, will work in City Hall while he lawsuit against the Big Apple remains active.
He referred comments to his lawyer about the suit and declined to comment on the new gig.
City Hall did not immediately return calls.
