Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel skips state Democratic convention citing safety concerns
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Attorney General Dana Nessel did not attend the Michigan Democratic convention, saying she feared harassment and threats over her support for Israel, as the party heightened security amid heightened tensions.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan's top Democratic elected official, chose not to attend the state party convention on Saturday, citing concerns for her personal safety. Nessel, who is Jewish, said she feared being booed, harassed, chased or shouted at because of her public support for Israel.
"I don’t feel safe going. I feel like my presence is not going to be welcomed. I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed. I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at. I don’t want to get booed off the stage," Nessel said.
The decision came as Michigan Democrats implemented extensive security measures, including law-enforcement presence, entrance screening and on-site security staff, after a contentious April gathering and growing debate over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Party leaders issued a letter warning delegates against disruptive behavior and an email stating a "zero tolerance" policy with immediate ejection for violations.
Among the signatories was U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who has previously criticized Israel. El-Sayed later affirmed his commitment to Jewish safety, equating it with the safety of his own daughters.
Jewish community leaders and rabbis urged the party to publicly guarantee that any harassment of Jewish participants would be prosecuted. The convention, largely a formality because Nessel is term-limited, was expected to highlight intra-party divisions on the Israel issue.
The state, home to roughly 100,000 Jews, has seen heightened concerns after a recent attack on a local synagogue linked to Hezbollah. Party officials said the rules would be enforced without exception.