NYC Mayor Adams Sparks Heated Clash With GOP Candidate Over Holocaust Remark

New York City Mayor Eric Adams marked the opening of the city's swimming season by jumping into the Thomas Jefferson public pool in East Harlem fully dressed in a suit, even swimming with children during an event celebrating 90 years of public pools. However, the festive occasion quickly escalated into a political confrontation when Adams confronted Republican gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman over controversial remarks Blakeman made about Democratic Congressman Brad Lander. Blakeman had claimed in an interview that Lander "could have been a concentration camp guard if he had the chance." Adams, who supported Lander in the primaries, condemned the statement as "unacceptable, incomprehensible, and disgusting," emphasizing that Lander is a "proud New York Jew." Adams accused the Republican Party of attempting to "dehumanize anyone who disagrees with them." In response, Blakeman dismissed Adams's criticism, labeling Adams as "fanatical, anti-Semitic, and anti-American," and referenced Adams's refusal to participate in a pro-Israel parade, derogatory comments about AIPAC members, and cancellation of Puerto Rico Day breakfast as evidence of his lack of credibility.