Mamdani Struggles with Bench Press at Men’s Day Event

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old candidate for New York City, faced some challenges while attempting to bench press at a Saturday event in Brooklyn. During the annual Men’s Day celebration, he needed help from a spotter while trying to lift 135 pounds.

The event, which aimed to highlight community efforts, featured a group called “500 Men Make a Difference.” Mamdani, who was participating in a collaborative role, shifted the focus onto his spotter instead.

Critiques from political opponents followed. Mayor Eric Adams, for instance, couldn’t resist taking a jab at Mamdani, noting, “This guy can’t put his weight on the bench, let alone the weight that leads the most important city in the world.”

Ironically, while some were busy critiquing, the Men’s Day event included entertainment such as a car show, circus acts, and performances by fraternity Omega Psi Phi. Mamdani even managed to kick a soccer ball around later on.

Adams also shared a video of his own bench press attempt, sarcastically noting the disparities in their efforts, suggesting that Mamdani could only manage lifting taxes.

Mamdani expressed gratitude to the event organizers for recognizing the community’s unique qualities and mentioned his hopes of becoming the next mayor next year.

The “500 Men” initiative started back in 2010, focused on enhancing public spaces in central Brooklyn. The organizers aim to empower black men with critical employment skills and a better understanding of their community’s institutions.