Washington: US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday, making remarks that linked the candidate to Muslim extremism and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Addressing supporters, Trump described El-Sayed as a potential security threat and accused Democrats of allowing anti-American extremists into the United States.
"I'm here to keep a jihadist, Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator," Trump told the crowd.
Trump also compared opposition to El-Sayed's candidacy with the actions of passengers who fought back against hijackers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 attacks. He invoked Todd Beamer, a Michigan-born passenger who became associated with the resistance against the hijackers.
"Twenty-five years later, Michigan needs to stand up and fight, just like Todd did, to stop a jihadist from walking into the Capitol," Trump said.
He further claimed that El-Sayed would face additional security checks if elected to the Senate.
El-Sayed Rejects Allegations
El-Sayed dismissed the accusations and criticised his opponents for questioning his loyalty to the United States.
Speaking at an event in Grand Rapids on Sunday evening, he suggested that Trump's criticism of his background was inconsistent with the president's relationships with wealthy foreign interests.
El-Sayed referred to reported financial links between Saudi Arabia and Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. He also raised questions about Qatar's gift of a Boeing 747 aircraft to Trump.
The Democratic candidate described attempts to portray him as disloyal because of his Muslim identity as shameful.
If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate.
Mike Rogers Distances Himself from Terrorist Label
Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, who is competing against El-Sayed for Michigan's open Senate seat, also addressed the controversy.
In an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Rogers said he did not agree with describing El-Sayed as a violent terrorist.
"I've never called him a terrorist," Rogers said.
However, Rogers has questioned El-Sayed's alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood and criticised his political associations. El-Sayed has denied any affiliation with the organisation and rejected suggestions that his loyalty to the United States is in doubt.
Rogers said El-Sayed had not adequately addressed questions surrounding the allegations. He also described him as a Democratic Socialists of America-aligned candidate.
Obama Criticises Attacks on El-Sayed
The controversy comes as Michigan emerges as a key battleground ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Former US President Barack Obama campaigned for Democratic candidates in Detroit on Saturday, defending El-Sayed against attempts to question his American identity.
Obama compared the attacks to false claims previously made about his own birthplace and said similar tactics would not succeed against El-Sayed in Michigan.
The Senate contest is particularly important because control of the chamber could depend on the outcome. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, while Democrats are also seeking to regain control of the closely divided House of Representatives.
The campaign has brought renewed attention to questions of religious identity, political rhetoric and national security as candidates compete for support in Michigan.
