Controversy Surrounds Michigan Senate Campaign Over 9/11 Remarks

David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer, a hero from United Flight 93 during the September 11 attacks, has criticized streamer Hasan Piker and his association with Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Beamer voiced his concerns in a campaign video supporting El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.

The video, produced by the Great Lakes Conservative Fund, begins with a 2019 clip of Piker suggesting America “deserved 9/11.” This is followed by moments showing El-Sayed on Piker’s Twitch livestream and another instance where El-Sayed refused to disavow Piker. Narrating the ad, Beamer shares the story of his son Todd Beamer, describing him as one of the heroes who resisted the terrorists on Flight 93.

“Those 43 people on Flight 93 were not victims. They were killed in action. When I hear anyone suggest America ‘deserves 9/11’, my question is, ‘Who would say that?’”

El-Sayed has repeatedly refuted Piker’s 9/11 statement but hesitates to completely sever ties with him, who supported him during the Democratic primary. Elizabeth Pipko, a former Republican National Committee spokesperson, expressed the sadness that families affected by 9/11 must still fight to preserve their loved ones’ legacies.

Pipko remarked, “How incredibly disappointing that, 25 years after those horrific attacks, Todd Beamer’s family is still unable to simply mourn their son and speak about his heroism. Instead, they find themselves having to teach their fellow Americans a lesson they themselves wish they never had to learn.” She emphasized the importance of electing leaders who embody the spirit Todd Beamer represented.

Theo Wold, a former assistant attorney general and former White House deputy assistant under President Trump, commented that Piker’s past remarks will continue to affect El-Sayed’s campaign unless El-Sayed denounces him. Wold noted, “Antifa Democrats and their friends in the media say a lot of dangerous and incendiary things.” He pointed out Piker’s endorsement of political violence and his derogatory remarks about Americans killed on 9/11.

Fox News Digital attempted to contact Gold Star Families, El-Sayed’s campaign, and Mike Rogers’ campaign, but did not receive immediate responses.

Story tips can be sent to Alexander Hall, an associate editor for Fox News Digital, at [email protected].