Zohran Mamdani to be Sworn in as New York Mayor in Historic Disused Subway Station
Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York mayor on New Year’s Eve in an underground disused subway station beneath City Hall, specifically the 5 train turnaround. The private ceremony takes place in a station opened in 1904, decommissioned in 1945, and designated a New York City landmark since 1979 as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
The oath of office will be administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who described the subway venue as the ‘great equalizer’ for New Yorkers, highlighting the shared transit experience among all residents. Later that day, a follow-up ceremony on the City Hall steps will feature Senator Bernie Sanders swearing Mamdani in publicly, followed by a Broadway block party.
Attendance at the subway ceremony remains uncertain among former mayors. Bill de Blasio has confirmed his attendance, while Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani have not publicly confirmed. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has kept his attendance open to question and mentioned he may discuss the matter with Mamdani to avoid disruption.
In anticipation of the inauguration, Mamdani appointed Lillian Bonsignore, a 56-year-old openly gay EMS veteran with over 30 years of emergency medical and FDNY experience, to lead the FDNY. This appointment was criticized by Elon Musk, but Mamdani defended the choice citing Bonsignore’s extensive background and recent shift of the FDNY toward emergency calls.
Before leaving office, Eric Adams appointed Mark Guerra, a first deputy commissioner with 37 years of FDNY experience, as fire chief for the remaining days of his mayoralty. Mamdani has stated that Adams is welcome to attend the inauguration ceremony.
