Trump invokes 9/11 in urging Michigan voters to oppose Muslim Senate candidate El-Sayed

President Donald Trump at a Michigan rally compared Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to the 9/11 attackers, calling him a 'jihadist, Muslim Brotherhood member.' Trump urged voters to oppose El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim US senator. El-Sayed denied the affiliation. Republican candidate Mike Rogers also alleged ties without evidence. Former President Barack Obama campaigned for El-Sayed the day before, comparing the attacks to false claims about his own birthplace.

President Donald Trump at a Sunday campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, escalated his attacks on Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, comparing him to the 9/11 attackers. Trump told the audience, 'I'm here to keep a jihadist, Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator.' He likened voting against El-Sayed to the actions of Todd Beamer, a Michigan native who fought back against the hijackers of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. If elected, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim US senator. Trump also said El-Sayed 'would be the only senator that will have to go through a metal detector before he's allowed to go in the Senate.' El-Sayed dismissed the accusations as 'shameful' and defended his faith. Republican candidate Mike Rogers, who is running against El-Sayed for an open seat, alleged without evidence that El-Sayed has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Former President Barack Obama campaigned for El-Sayed the day before, comparing the attacks to false claims about his own birthplace. The race is one of the most competitive Senate contests ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with Democrats needing to gain seats to overturn Republican majorities.