Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan, apologized to Jewish Democrats for a statement he made after a truck attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Mich., saying he should not have included the phrase “hurt people hurt people.” He said, “I made a mistake,” addressing the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus at a party convention in Lansing. El-Sayed acknowledged his attempt to offer broader context inadvertently trampled on the dignity of victims’ pain and fear. The attack, carried out by Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, was deemed a targeted act against Jews.

El-Sayed had previously condemned violence but framed it as part of a cycle, drawing criticism. His apology comes amid pressure over ties to streamer Hasan Piker, who has made incendiary comments about Israel. El-Sayed campaigned with Piker during the primary but said he would not do so before the general election.

His race against Republican Mike Rogers is seen as pivotal for Senate control. Jewish Democrats had hesitated to support him due to his criticism of Israel and associations with Piker. The Michigan Democratic Party remains divided over Israel, with figures like State Attorney General Dana Nessel and State Representative Noah Arbit expressing concerns.

Jessica Alexander, chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, said she was deeply engaged in the dialogue.