Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, attended the 25th anniversary memorial for the September 11 attacks in Lansing, Michigan. The ceremony took place at the Michigan September 11 Memorial in Wentworth Park, a public space that has been used to honor firefighters since 1934. The event included speeches and the reading of names of Michiganders who died in the attacks, with participation from firefighters, police officers, and a chaplain. El-Sayed’s campaign had previously released a video condemning the attacks, stating clearly that “nothing can justify the murder of innocent civilians.” El-Sayed’s attendance at the memorial drew attention, particularly from Fox News, which questioned why he had not made a public statement on the attacks. His campaign has faced criticism from Republicans and conservative activists, who have often focused on El-Sayed’s religion as a point of contention. Former President Donald Trump has referred to El-Sayed as a “jihadist,” and his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, has highlighted El-Sayed’s past association with Hasan Piker, a YouTube content creator who once claimed America deserved 9/11. Piker later renounced that statement, but the clip has been repeatedly used by critics of El-Sayed’s campaign. At the memorial, El-Sayed spoke about the dual nature of the anniversary—the horror of the attacks and the discrimination that followed against Muslims. He emphasized the need for unity and a future where people can come together despite their differences. He acknowledged the political challenges he faces, noting that his identity is often used against him, but he remains focused on his campaign issues, such as health care and social services. During a town hall at Michigan State University, El-Sayed addressed students on a range of policy topics, including health care and the role of public participation in AI companies. He also spoke with the press, responding to criticism and stressing the importance of peaceful disagreement in a democracy. El-Sayed expressed frustration with the focus on his identity rather than his policies, stating that he wants to be judged on his merits as a public servant. El-Sayed’s campaign continues to emphasize practical issues, aiming to connect with everyday Americans. He remains committed to his vision of a united America, where differences are bridged to build something greater than the sum of its parts. His message focuses on moving forward with policies that address real-world challenges, rather than letting political distractions overshadow the work of governance.