Michigan Dem Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Associations

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is under scrutiny for planning to rally with streamer Hasan Piker, known for his controversial remarks, including claiming that “America deserved 9/11” and justifying recent attacks. El-Sayed also faces criticism regarding his past comments about the death of the Ayatollah in Dearborn and his stance on defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), igniting discussions on cancel culture and border enforcement.

El-Sayed is scheduled to speak at the Islamic Society of North America’s (ISNA) annual convention over Labor Day weekend. This event features speakers with controversial backgrounds, such as cleric Baqir Berry, who has prayed for the success of “mujahideen” in regions like Palestine and Lebanon, where mujahideen is often associated with Islamist fighters. Another attendee is Hassan Qazwini, who has expressed support for Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism as designated by the U.S.

Also listed to speak at the ISNA convention is Yasir Qadhi, a Texas imam who previously made remarks denying the Holocaust, which he later retracted. Siraj Wahhaj, once considered a possible co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing case but never charged, is another scheduled speaker.

The campaign for Abdul El-Sayed has reportedly received over $100,000 in support from individuals connected to organizations with alleged terror ties. El-Sayed spoke at a unity rally in Detroit recently, where his affiliations have sparked further attention.

“We pray to Allah to save our people in South Lebanon from the evil of these Zionists, to support the Muslims and the mujahideen on His path in the East and the West, especially our mujahideen in Palestine, Lebanon, and everywhere,” Baqir Berry expressed during a sermon in June, as cited by the Middle East Media Research Institute. “Oh Allah, grant them a mighty victory.”

Hassan Qazwini, in his statements of support for Iran, was denounced by Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign due to alleged antisemitic conspiracy theories. Qadhi, Berry, and Qazwini did not provide comments when contacted by Fox News Digital.

This isn’t the first time El-Sayed’s connections have drawn controversy. He previously endorsed a pastor who praised Louis Farrakhan, a figure infamous for his antisemitic remarks about Jews.

El-Sayed has also drawn criticism for speaking alongside Hasan Piker, who made a controversial statement concerning 9/11. El-Sayed labeled the comment “dumb” but didn’t distance himself from Piker. He defended a blog post from 2021 that paralleled President Donald Trump’s actions during the January 6 riot to Osama bin Laden’s role in the September 11 attacks.

Republicans are increasingly highlighting El-Sayed’s associations with controversial figures in Michigan’s Senate race. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.