Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, recently recounted an incident from his past on the YouTube program “Intellectually Petty.” He admitted to damaging property in a Detroit liquor store. The confrontation arose after remarks about the religious significance of beard length in Muslim communities.

He says, ‘Are you Muslim?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Well, your beard is too short.’ I said, ‘Ok you’re gonna judge me? Ok, give me a second, I forgot something,’ El-Sayed explained. So, I walk back, I get a fifth of vodka, and put it on the counter. He’s like, ‘Hey, you can’t buy that,’ and I was like, ‘You’re right, and you can’t sell it.’ So, I smashed it on the ground and walked out.

This account has fueled criticism from some Republicans amid the competitive Senate race.

Hunter Lovell, spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, commented on El-Sayed’s actions. Lovell interpreted the incident as indicative of aggressive tendencies tied to religious beliefs, saying, Abdul El-Sayed thinks he gets a free hall pass by using his religion as a way to promote violent extremism.

However, El-Sayed’s campaign focused on broader issues. Roxie Richner, a campaign spokesperson, noted, Yes — Abdul is angry on behalf of the people. Unlike Trump who seems more focused on drapes in a ballroom, Abdul gets mad when everyday people get exploited.

El-Sayed is involved in a heated three-way Democratic primary, vying to succeed outgoing Sen. Gary Peters. He competes against Mallory McMorrow, a state legislator, and Rep. Haley Stevens, a more establishment candidate.

Positioning himself as a progressive, El-Sayed supports “Medicare for all,” free college, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His stance on U.S.-Israel relations during the Gaza conflict has also attracted criticism.

El-Sayed was also scrutinized for associating with Hasan Piker, a controversial political commentator. Despite the criticism, El-Sayed has been clear in condemning religious violence.

After a 2026 attack on a synagogue in Temple Israel, Michigan, El-Sayed described it as “terrorism,” stating unequivocally, There is never a justification for attacking innocent people or houses of worship. Never.