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Michigan Senate Front-Runner Makes False Hate-Crime Claim

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate candidate, spread a false narrative that the 2012 killing of Shaima Alawadi was a hate crime.
Kassim Alhimidi was convicted of murder for killing his wife Shaima Alawadi in San Diego in 2012.
The false link sparked the “Hoodies and Hijabs” campaign, amplified on social media by outlets.
Despite criticism, El-Sayed leads Michigan Senate polls and has endorsements from Linda Sarsour and Senator Bernie Sanders.

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Story summary

Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate candidate, spread a false narrative that the 2012 killing of Shaima Alawadi was a hate crime.
Kassim Alhimidi was convicted of murder for killing his wife Shaima Alawadi in San Diego in 2012.
The false link sparked the “Hoodies and Hijabs” campaign, amplified on social media by outlets.
Despite criticism, El-Sayed leads Michigan Senate polls and has endorsements from Linda Sarsour and Senator Bernie Sanders.