El-Sayed Criticizes Opponent Over 9/11 First Responder Votes Amid Senate Race
In Lansing, Michigan, Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed addressed college students, most of whom did not witness the 9/11 attacks firsthand. El-Sayed began with a moment of silence to honor the 25th anniversary of the attacks before critiquing his Republican rival, Mike Rogers, for his connection to left-wing streamer Hasan Piker and his past comments.
El-Sayed, who had campaigned with Piker but later distanced himself, condemned Rogers for his congressional voting record, which included opposition to benefits for 9/11 survivors and first responders. Rogers, who served in the House from 2001 to 2015, initially supported financial help for 9/11 victims but voted against the 2010 James Zadroga Act. This act aimed to provide medical treatment and financial assistance to the affected individuals. Rogers argued at the time for annual funding of aid to avoid jeopardizing U.S. financial stability.
During a recent town hall, El-Sayed stated, “Rather than vote to ensure healthcare for the brave first responders who rushed to save lives that day, he voted twice against providing them healthcare.” In response, Rogers defended his support for victims and their families, suggesting that accusations otherwise were false. He mentioned backing an annual $150 million appropriation for 9/11 survivors’ needs.
Piker’s remarks about 9/11 have sparked criticism, especially from Michigan Republicans attempting to associate him with El-Sayed, influencing the contentious Senate race. El-Sayed described Piker’s comments as “dumb,” stressing that Piker later recognized his language should have been clearer. El-Sayed himself faced scrutiny over his comments on the attacks, noting in 2021 that 9/11 profoundly scarred the U.S. but subsequent actions impacted millions more.
The Republican camp used these statements to label El-Sayed as extreme, featuring them prominently at the recent midterm convention in Dallas. Vice President JD Vance accused the Democrats of being a “party of hatred” sympathetic to 9/11 terrorists, asserting that El-Sayed displayed an unpatriotic stance.
Rogers, during his speech, painted the election as a moral battle for America’s soul, implying that El-Sayed would make excuses for extremism. He accused both El-Sayed and Piker of vilifying America. In contrast, El-Sayed consistently condemned the 9/11 attacks, stating, “Nothing can justify the murder of innocent civilians.”
El-Sayed’s supporters, including Muslim advocacy groups, argue that linking him to 9/11 is Islamophobic. They criticize Republicans for exploiting El-Sayed’s faith for political gain. Tyler Mitchell, a Democratic voter and veteran, opines that Republicans target El-Sayed due to his Muslim background, finding this disrespectful.
GOP-backed groups have released multiple ads referencing 9/11 and Piker, with the Senate Leadership Fund investing over $45 million in Michigan ads this fall. Rogers shared videos of veterans criticizing El-Sayed for his association with Piker. Maj. Jon Turnbull, an Afghanistan War veteran, questioned El-Sayed’s loyalties over this connection.
El-Sayed frequently faces questions about Piker’s comments from reporters. At a recent town hall, he criticized the focus on Piker instead of substantive issues like healthcare. El-Sayed accused Rogers of shifting focus from important topics like the economy and healthcare, suggesting Rogers incorrectly uses 9/11 for political advantage while ignoring the healthcare needs of first responders and survivors.