Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism from a prominent Muslim American organization after a local man was removed from a town hall event in Royal Oak, Michigan. This incident follows Harris’ outreach efforts aimed at Michigan’s Muslim community, which is crucial as she tries to strengthen her support in this key battleground state.
Traditionally, Michigan’s Muslim voters lean Democratic, but recent surveys suggest this trend may be shifting due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Dr. Ghanim, the man who was removed, reported that shortly after he was seated, he was asked to leave by a staff member who then closed the door behind him. He claims he faced threats of arrest from Secret Service officers at the event. When he inquired about his removal, he was told it was the venue’s decision, not theirs.
In response, Chris Wyant, a senior adviser for Harris in Michigan, expressed regret over the incident, stating that Ghanim is welcome at future events. Ghanim, however, expressed his disappointment, feeling that the Muslim community is not being valued or respected by the campaign.
The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) also condemned the removal, highlighting the contrast between the Harris campaign’s actions and Donald Trump’s outreach to Muslim and Arab voters. CAIR’s executive director, Basim Elkarra, argued that this incident sends a troubling message of exclusion.
As Election Day approaches, both Harris and Trump are intensifying their efforts to connect with the significant Muslim voter base in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit area, where many registered Muslim voters reside. With the electoral stakes high, both parties recognize the importance of winning over pivotal community groups in swing states.