Michigan Senate Candidate Apologizes for Remarks After Synagogue Attack

Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has apologized after facing sharp criticism for comments made following an attack on a synagogue. After an individual rammed a car into the synagogue, injuring a security guard, El-Sayed posted a video condemning the act but adding, "people who are victimized, victimize others." Authorities determined the incident was a deliberate anti-Jewish attack, and El-Sayed's statement drew criticism from Jewish Democrats.

El-Sayed admitted he should have stopped his condemnation there. "I made a mistake," he stated at a party conference in Lansing. "I should have put out a statement condemning the act, of course, and just stopped there." He explained he was attempting to provide "broader context" but realized his words had hurt people experiencing fear and pain from the attack. "Nobody deserves to have their pain trampled on," he said.

The apology comes as El-Sayed seeks support from Jewish Democrats for his Senate race in Michigan, a contest that could be significant in the battle for control of the U.S. Senate. Concurrently, he faces further criticism for his ties to Hasan Piker, an anti-Israel social media influencer who participated in his campaign events during the primaries. Despite pressure, El-Sayed has refused to distance himself from Piker.

Members of the Jewish caucus at the party conference welcomed the apology, though some continue to express concern over El-Sayed's association with Piker.