In a surprising turn of events, New York City’s Fire Department Commissioner has reportedly submitted his resignation just hours after Zohran Mamdani was announced as the city’s new mayor. Robert Tucker, who is of Jewish descent, intends to vacate his role on December 19, as noted by sources speaking to The New York Post. This decision follows the election of Democratic Socialist Mamdani, known for his anti-Israel stance, who triumphed over Republican Curtis Sliwa and former state governor Andrew Cuomo.

The specific reasons behind Tucker’s resignation remain uncertain, and the Daily Mail has reached out to him for further clarification. According to the New York Daily News, there have been no discussions between Tucker and Mamdani’s team regarding the possibility of him continuing in his role under the new administration. Sources indicate that Tucker plans to return to leading a private security company, a position he held prior to joining Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

Moreover, The Post has disclosed that Tucker is scheduled to travel to Israel today to liaise with another fire commissioner. Mamdani’s electoral victory, securing over half of the popular vote, marks a historic milestone as he prepares to become the city’s first Muslim mayor. Addressing his supporters, Mamdani declared, “I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.” The 34-year-old also took a moment to directly address the audience, stating, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!”

Relatively unknown as a state assemblymember when the race for City Hall stared, he gained momentum by running a campaign focused on affordability. His campaign pushed populist ideas like free public buses, rent freezes for rent-stabilized apartments, and grocery stores that would be owned by the city. In his ferocious speech promising a ‘new dawn’ for New York, he quoted late socialist politician Eugene Debs. He also bragged about ‘toppling a political dynasty’ and launched into a blistering attack against Trump – who has called Mamdani a ‘communist’.

‘If any city can show a nation how to stop Donald Trump, it is the city that gave rise to him,’ said Mamdani. The race was called almost immediately as polls closed at 9pm, with the vote tally at its highest for the mayor’s race since 1969, as over two million people had already voted before closing. Cuomo conceded just before 11pm, congratulating Mamdani to boos from his supporters before expressing no regrets in his comeback bid.

Tucker was only brought in as commissioner last August, having no actual experience as a firefighter. His father Barry Tucker held a copy of a Tanach that was used at Tucker’s bar mitzvah during his swearing in ceremony alongside Mayor Adams. A Gothamist report emerged last December that highlighted how just six weeks before being sworn in, eight employees from Tucker’s firm donated to Adams’ re-election campaign.

The Campaign Finance Board flagged the payments as they all came from employees of the same firm, on the same day, raising questions. The donations flagged were for $200 each and were all made on June 30 of last year, Adams appointed Tucker on August 12.