Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has publicly questioned police funding and the necessity of armed officers, was protected by a round-the-clock armed bodyguard during his past campaigns, according to his former security director.
Jordan Domingue, who served as El-Sayed's security director during his 2017-2018 gubernatorial campaign and his 2025-2026 Senate campaign, accused the candidate of hypocrisy. Domingue stated he provided armed security for El-Sayed for approximately two years, typically working 12-16 hour days, six to seven days a week.
Domingue's accusations followed the resurfacing of a 2020 University of Michigan video in which El-Sayed questions police funding and the role of armed officers. In the clip, El-Sayed asks, "Do people really need to use guns? Do we need as much of a police force?"
While El-Sayed has faced scrutiny for these past statements, he has also stated he does not support defunding the police during his current Senate campaign. He previously claimed to have received death threats during his 2017 gubernatorial run.
Domingue, a former Marine combat veteran, expressed his views on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Like so many things with Abdul, it’s pure hypocrisy." He also indicated he resigned from his role as security director in January 2026, citing concerns about El-Sayed's fitness for office.
El-Sayed's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Domingue's claims or the resurfaced video. His three-way Democratic primary election is scheduled for August 4.