Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by honoring the victims of the terrorist strike. During a Friday event, El-Sayed led a moment of silence and released a brief video reflecting on the impact of the attacks, emphasizing the loss of innocent civilians and first responders.

In his remarks, El-Sayed acknowledged the deaths of more than 3,000 people, including children, women, men, and emergency personnel who risked their lives amid the devastation. He also noted the lasting physical and emotional consequences faced by many survivors and responders.

El-Sayed described the attacks as not only a physical assault on the United States but also a challenge to the country’s foundational ideals. He characterized the event as an attack on the concept of America as a nation united by principles of freedom, justice, and inclusivity, regardless of religious beliefs.

This commemoration marked a departure from El-Sayed’s previous focus on mourning Muslim civilians who died in U.S. military operations that followed the 9/11 attacks, signaling a more traditional approach to honoring the anniversary. The shift comes amid his campaign for the Michigan Senate seat, where he has sought to address a wide range of issues including public safety and social justice.