Embattled FDNY boss's text to AG Letitia James revealed

Text messages between New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) have been released. 

In the messages, the New York Post reports that Kavanagh expressed frustration over the difficulties she has faced in attempting to bend the members of the FDNY to her will.

Kavanagh was named the FDNY's commissioner back in 2022, and, since then, she has found herself at the center of some serious controversy.

To provide some more background on Kavanagh, before becoming the FDNY commissioner, she worked on campaigns for former President Barack Obama, among others.

Background

The reader may remember an incident that occurred back in early March 2024.

The Hill, at the time, reported, "New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) faced roaring boos and chants for 'Trump' on Thursday as she delivered a speech at a New York City Fire Department (FDNY) promotion ceremony."

The outlet added, "As James walked up to the podium, some people in the crowd clapped and others booed. The booing grew louder, prompting James to address the matter before beginning her official remarks."

James, of course, is the attorney general who brought the civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump, winning a massive judgment of over $350 million. She brought the case against Trump after promising to "get Trump" when campaigning for the attorney general job. The case is currently on appeal, and Trump and others continue to insist that James' prosecution was a political persecution.

The text messages between Kavanagh and James are from about this time when James got booed.

"I'm sorry"

In the texts, which were obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request, Kavanaugh essentially apologized to James for not being able to stop some of the FDNY members from booing her.

"I should have called you last night, but I’ve been trying to find a way to say I’m sorry that doesn’t involve me apologizing for men who don’t deserve such grace. I haven’t succeeded. I am sorry that we didn’t stop them and that I can’t fix them," Kavanagh wrote.

Kavanagh went on to praise James for the way she took it, saying she handle the situation and others with "extraordinary grace and skill."

She concluded the message by writing, "I care about you and will do anything for you, always."

James responded by thanking Kavanagh and by saying, in relation to the booing, "We have work to do."