Michigan AG Nessel condemns Senate hopeful El-Sayed’s remarks on synagogue attack

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel told a journalist at one outlet that she is uneasy attending the state Democratic convention due to what she describes as “an enormous amount of anti-Semitism within the Democratic Party.” She singled out Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed for his reaction to the attempted terrorist attack on Temple Israel, where a gunman inspired by Hezbollah tried to murder congregants. Nessel said El-Sayed’s “hurt people hurt people” comment appeared to excuse the shooter and demanded a public apology and correction.

She recalled her own response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre—visiting a Dearborn mosque and condemning Islamophobia—contrasting it with El-Sayed’s approach. While acknowledging his recent outreach to Jewish leaders, Nessel urged him to withdraw his remarks, improve his understanding of Jewish religious practices, and recognize the harm caused. She also affirmed she will not back Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, preferring her policy alignment with El-Said despite the controversy.