Muslim Politician Removed from Harris Rally Expresses Outrage
Ghanim, a former U.S. House candidate from Ferndale, said he felt targeted because of his faith and is now reconsidering his political support.
Ghanim, who ran in the Democratic primary earlier this year, attended the rally after RSVP’ing and passing security checks. While responding to emails in the auditorium, he was approached by a staffer and asked to leave without explanation. Outside the venue, Ghanim questioned why he was being removed, but the Secret Service claimed it was the venue's decision, Detroit News reported on Tuesday.
“They kicked me out… I didn’t have anything, no signs or banners. Nothing,” Ghanim said. "Maybe the Democratic Party doesn't want people like me and my kind in the party."
As of Tuesday, Ghanim had received no explanation from the Harris campaign or the Michigan Democratic Party, leaving him deeply disheartened. He expressed frustration with what he sees as the party’s disregard for Muslim voters and said the incident will influence his decision in the upcoming presidential election.
“If someone is kicking you out of the rally, I don’t know how you are going to vote for them,” Ghanim said. "I will vote for whoever will deal with me as a human being."
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In response to the incident, the Harris campaign expressed regret over what happened. Chris Wyant, senior adviser for Harris’ Michigan campaign, issued a statement saying, “Our campaign regrets this action and its impact on Dr. Ghanim and the community, and he is welcome at future events. We value our relationship with the Muslim American community and are committed to ensuring all community and political spaces are welcoming and respectful.”
The event took place amid growing discontent among Michigan’s Muslim and Arab American communities over the Biden administration's support for Israel amid the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza. Harris’ campaign has been working to maintain support in these communities, but challenges persist.
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Ghanim, who lost a congressional primary to Rep. Haley Stevens earlier this year, said the experience at the rally has further distanced him from the Democratic Party.
Source: Agencies
