Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed criticized for 9/11 post and ties to streamer Hasan Piker
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Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed faced online criticism after posting a 9/11 remembrance message, with opponents highlighting his association with progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who has previously made controversial remarks about the attacks.
Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, posted a statement on his X account commemorating the September 11 attacks, saying the attacks targeted "the idea of America" and recalling the lives lost. The post was quickly met with criticism on social media, where users referenced El-Sayed’s past association with progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who has previously suggested the United States "deserved" the attacks.
Conservative commentators and political strategists posted messages accusing El-Sayed of endorsing Piker’s remarks. One commentator shared a photo of the two together and quoted Piker’s past statements, while a Republican Senate committee communications director called El-Sayed "unwilling to disavow" the streamer. A GOP consultant described the association as "dishonesty" and a right-wing media co-founder questioned El-Sayed’s electability.
El-Sayed responded that he does not share all of Piker’s views and emphasized that his campaign’s messaging is directed by him and his spokesperson. He said the focus of the race should be on issues such as gas prices, groceries, education and health care, rather than the streamer’s comments.
An investigative reporter noted that El-Sayed’s 9/11 statement omitted references to the subsequent wars, a departure from his usual remarks on the topic. The candidate later reiterated his opposition to ongoing violence in the Middle East, linking the current conflict to broader themes of violence and retaliation.