Democratic Michigan US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed defended his past criticisms of Fourth of July fireworks during a radio appearance on Monday.
Speaking on "The Breakfast Club," El-Sayed addressed comments he made regarding fireworks, stating that they negatively affect air quality and can lead to asthma exacerbations and heart attacks. He suggested that there are "other ways to show your love" for the country.
"I said, ‘Well, every time we do a fireworks show, it destroys the air quality and people have asthma exacerbations and heart attacks the next day,’" El-Sayed stated during the radio interview. "I’m not saying we shouldn’t have fireworks. I’m just saying maybe like there are other ways to show your love."
El-Sayed's remarks come after reports revealed that he had deleted or hidden approximately 100 YouTube videos prior to launching his Senate campaign. Among these deleted videos was a plea for Americans to find alternative ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, citing air quality and risks to children and pets.
Earlier this month, Republican nominee Mike Rogers criticized El-Sayed for his past comments and deleted videos, suggesting that these views were intentionally hidden from the public. Rogers asserted that El-Sayed spent "hours hating on what most Michiganders would enjoy in their pastimes" and that voters should be aware of these expressed opinions.
