New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani participated in an event at the Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem on Saturday, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the city's outdoor pools. Video footage shows the mayor jumping into the pool fully clothed and swimming with children to promote expanded free swim programs.
The event took a political turn when Mamdani criticized New York GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman for comments made about Democratic Socialists of America-backed congressional candidate Brad Lander. Blakeman had previously stated in a Newsmax interview that Lander 'would be a camp guard in a concentration camp if he could.' Mamdani defended Lander, referring to him as a 'proud Jewish New Yorker' and condemned Blakeman's remarks as 'unacceptable and unconscionable.'
In response, Blakeman dismissed Mamdani's criticism, questioning his credibility and labeling him as a 'bigot' and 'antisemite.' Mamdani has not yet responded to Blakeman's remarks.