Dearborn pastor warns that El-Sayed’s Senate win could usher Sharia-law influence
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who recently went viral after confronting Dearborn city council, warned that Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the Senate would let him influence federal judges and spread Sharia law across the United States.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church, known for a viral clash with Dearborn city council, warned one outlet that Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate ambitions include recommending federal judges, which Sewell says would bring Sharia law to the country. He further attacked El-Sayed’s medical credentials, labeling him a “fake doctor,” and criticized Muslim politicians such as Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar for allegedly seeking to “conquer” American culture.
El-Sayed’s spokesperson Roxie Richner responded that he lives by his faith but opposes any effort to embed religious law in U.S. legislation, calling Sewell’s remarks hateful rhetoric. Sewell also linked El-Sayed to streamer Hasan Piker, condemning Piker’s past statements as treasonous. The pastor, who previously hosted Donald Trump at his church and spoke at the RNC, concluded that America’s greatness stems from biblical values and urged assimilation. Omar and Tlaib did not return requests for comment.
Why it matters
The pastor’s incendiary remarks could heighten religious and political tensions during a pivotal Senate race.
How this story developed
- Aug 18 Mike Rogers courts Jewish Democratic voters in tight Michigan Senate contest
- Aug 20 A Senate primary debate has been set for September 15.
- Aug 21 Streamer Hasan Piker called Hamas more moderate than in its early years during a Channel 4 interview, prompting condemnation from the ADL and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
- Aug 25 Piker’s remarks prompted public condemnations from the ADL and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
- Aug 25 Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed has been urged by both parties to fully repudiate Twitch streamer Hasan Piker after the latter made controversial remarks about Jewish Americans.
- Aug 27 A recent gathering of Michigan Democrats highlighted lingering divisions over El‑Sayed’s comments on Israel and domestic terrorism.
- Aug 28 Senators publicly denounced Piker’s remarks and Dingell asked journalists to drop Piker questions.
- Aug 28 Abdul El‑Sayed released a campaign statement distancing himself from Hasan Piker’s comments.
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