Michigan’s El-Sayed Urges ‘Context’ For Hasan Piker’s 9/11 Remark Amid Growing Backlash

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing renewed scrutiny over his association with controversial online commentator Hasan Piker, as criticism intensifies over Piker’s past remark that “America deserved 9/11.”

El-Sayed, a progressive candidate backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, addressed the controversy during recent media appearances, arguing that Piker’s widely criticized comment should be understood in “context” as part of a broader critique of U.S. foreign policy, not as a literal endorsement of the attacks.

Piker, a popular left-wing Twitch streamer with millions of followers, made the remark during a 2019 broadcast. He later said the statement was poorly worded and intended to criticize American foreign policy decisions that he argued contributed to global instability.

The remark was made during a critique of U.S. foreign policy and U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw.

While reacting to a clip of Crenshaw discussing foreign policy on Aug. 20, 2019, Piker argued that U.S. interventionism in the Middle East created the conditions for the 9/11 attacks. He said, “America deserved 9/11, dude. F**k it, I’m saying it.”

Piker later said his comment was directed at the American government, not the American people. He said, “I didn’t say Americans deserved 9/11 — I said America deserves 9/11.”

He later described the remark as “inappropriate” and “satirical,” while maintaining his broader argument that the attacks were a consequence of U.S. actions.

Piker received a temporary ban from Twitch for violating community guidelines on hateful conduct. The remark has since been repeatedly cited by political opponents to criticize candidates associated with him.

In the 2025 New York City mayoral race, opponents of Zohran Mamdani referenced the 2019 clip in attack ads.

Campaign Ties Draw Fire

The controversy has intensified as Piker has appeared alongside El-Sayed at campaign events in Michigan — an electorate far less liberal than New York City — as part of an effort to mobilize younger and more progressive voters ahead of the state’s competitive Senate primary.

Critics within the Democratic Party and beyond have condemned the association, arguing that Piker’s rhetoric is inflammatory and inappropriate for mainstream political campaigns.

Some Democratic rivals, including Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, have raised concerns about elevating voices they say risk alienating moderate voters and Jewish communities.

El-Sayed Defends Outreach Strategy

El-Sayed has defended his decision to engage with Piker, emphasizing the importance of reaching audiences that traditional political campaigns may struggle to connect with.

He has argued that appearing alongside controversial figures does not equate to endorsing all of their views, framing the move as part of a broader strategy to build a diverse coalition of voters.

“All of us who want to build support have to be willing to talk to people across different spaces,” El-Sayed said in one interview, pushing back on calls to distance himself entirely.

Political Stakes Rising

With the Democratic primary approaching, the controversy is emerging as a flashpoint in the race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

While El-Sayed continues to campaign on economic and domestic issues, questions surrounding his alliances are likely to remain central as the race intensifies.

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