Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stayed silent following a protest in Dearborn, Michigan where participants chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during an International Al-Quds Day rally. The rally, led by local activist Takek Bazzi, took place in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library and lasted for about an hour. In a video posted by the Middle East Media Research Institute, Bazzi denounced Israel and America, linking the chants to former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini’s call for America’s demise.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden condemned the anti-American and anti-Israeli chants, stating that while peaceful protests are supported, violent rhetoric is denounced. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud also publicly denounced the chants, calling them unacceptable and contrary to the city’s values. He emphasized that the community stands for peace and justice for all people, rejecting the hateful rhetoric heard at the rally.
The protest sparked outrage and condemnation from local leaders, with Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hadidi, the chairman of the Michigan Muslim Community Council, calling for an investigation into the incident as hate speech. He expressed shock and disapproval of the protesters’ actions, stating that such behavior does not represent the Muslim community in the United States. The chanting of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” was seen as dangerous and as a form of extremist rhetoric.
The video of the rally in Dearborn garnered attention and criticism from various sources, including political leaders and community figures. The refusal of Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to comment on the incident drew scrutiny, with calls for them to address the situation. Mayor Hammoud’s strong condemnation of the chants emphasized the values of peace and justice that Dearborn stands for, distancing the city from the hateful rhetoric expressed during the rally.
While the protest was led by local activist Takek Bazzi and included chants in honor of Ayatollah Khomeini, the involvement of Rep. Tlaib and Gov. Whitmer in the aftermath of the incident remained unclear. Their silence on the matter left many questioning their stance on the chanting of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during the rally. The calls for investigation into the hate speech at the event reflected a broader concern about extremist rhetoric and its impact on the community.
Overall, the incident in Dearborn, Michigan highlighted the tensions surrounding political protests and expressions of extremist views in the United States. The condemnation from various leaders and community members underscored a commitment to peace, justice, and inclusivity in the face of divisive and hateful rhetoric. The lack of response from Rep. Tlaib and Gov. Whitmer raised questions about their position on the protest and the controversial chants, prompting a broader discussion about the role of political figures in addressing such incidents.
