WASHINGTON — Michigan Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is scheduled to attend the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention in Detroit this weekend, which has drawn criticism for featuring speakers who have questioned the official narrative of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
El-Sayed will participate in a panel alongside Cenk Uygur, founder of 'The Young Turks,' and Muslim cleric Zaid Shakir, both of whom have expressed skepticism regarding the government’s account of the events that resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths. The convention occurs just six days before the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Uygur previously stated on social media, "I no longer believe [the] official 9/11 story. Two paper passports did not burn and were found on the rubble but it was so hot WTC7 burned down across the street. Nonsense. It’s time to look for who gained from 9/11. Our government doesn’t work for us. They’ve been lying [the] whole time."
El-Sayed has campaigned alongside Uygur, although he has distanced himself from some of Uygur's more controversial statements, including those regarding America deserving the attacks. Shakir has also raised concerns about the official account of 9/11, arguing that it has been exploited by the government and segments of the Christian Right to justify actions against Islam.
The convention will also feature Salam al-Marayati, founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who faced backlash for previous comments suggesting Israel should be blamed for the 9/11 attacks. Al-Marayati later clarified that his remarks were hypothetical and made during a time of uncertainty about the attackers' identities. Another speaker, Siraj Wahhaj, has previously made contentious statements regarding LGBTQ individuals.
Organizers had initially invited Pakistani cleric Tariq Masood, but he was removed from the lineup after allegations surfaced regarding his involvement in forcing his niece into marriage.
El-Sayed has faced scrutiny over past tweets related to 9/11, including a now-deleted message expressing mourning for the lives lost in the attacks and those affected by U.S. actions abroad. His campaign has stated that he has always condemned terrorism and the September 11 attacks.
If elected in November, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history. He has indicated that his name and religion may pose challenges in his campaign, but he draws inspiration from former President Barack Obama’s electoral success.