Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed to appear on 9/11 conspiracy panel at ISNA convention
Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed is slated to join a panel with 9/11 conspiracy advocates Cenk Uygur and Zaid Shakir at the Islamic Society of North America’s Detroit convention.
Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the Michigan Senate, will headline the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention in Detroit, appearing on a panel titled “turmoiled America.” The panel also features left-wing commentator Cenk Uygur and New Jersey cleric Zaid Shakir, both of whom have promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories. Uygur has advanced the discredited “dancing Israelis” myth, while Shakir has urged an “examination” of the official account and referenced author David Ray Griffin’s work.
El-Sayed’s participation comes amid renewed scrutiny of his past social-media posts that likened the 9/11 death toll to COVID-19 fatalities and his reluctance to distance himself from Hasan Piker’s controversial statements about the attacks. Critics also note the ISNA’s connections to the Muslim Brotherhood and its designation as an unindicted co-conspirator in a 2008 Hamas fundraising case. Additional speakers at the convention have included cleric Yasir Qadhi, while Pakistani cleric Tariq Masood was removed after allegations of forced marriage surfaced. The candidate’s campaign declined to comment on the mounting criticism.
Why it matters
The appearance links a major Senate candidate to fringe conspiracy figures, raising questions about his judgment and voter perception.
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 27 A recent gathering of Michigan Democrats highlighted lingering divisions over El‑Sayed’s comments on Israel and domestic terrorism.
- Aug 31 Arab‑American leaders in Dearborn publicly endorsed Abdul El‑Sayed.
- Aug 31 Report noted that Arab Christian voters in Michigan tend to lean Republican while Muslim voters have largely backed El‑Sayed.
- Sep 1 Mike Rogers launched a television ad attacking El‑Sayed over past statements on sexual issues and the synagogue attack.
- Sep 1 Senator Bernie Sanders said a limited group of Democratic officials and major donors may prefer El‑Sayed to lose the general election.
- Sep 1 El‑Sayed defended his earlier criticism of Independence Day fireworks on “The Breakfast Club.”
- Sep 2 Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel appealed to Jewish voters to back El‑Sayed.
- Sep 2 El‑Sayed sought forgiveness from Michigan Jewish Democrats at the annual Summer Simcha gathering.
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