CBS News encountered backlash from the far-left following a report about past comments made by Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed regarding 9/11. The report emerged ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack.
The CBS article noted the potential scrutiny and political challenges that El-Sayed might face. It referred to his deleted social media posts, including comparisons between the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic death toll. A post from September 11, 2021, discovered by The Washington Free Beacon, stated, “Today, I mourn the 3K lives, 6K injuries, & infrastructural devastation in NYC, perpetuated ignorantly in the name of my faith. Tomorrow, I’ll mourn ~1M lives, millions of injuries, & infrastructural devastation in 3 countries, perpetuated ignorantly in the name of my country.”
El-Sayed’s posts were at the center of the controversy, drawing explosive reactions linking him to 9/11’s anniversary. Among his supporters and other liberal critics, there was significant outrage. Far-left commentator Hasan Piker commented, “What an insane headline.” He criticized CBS’s ownership changes, referencing Paramount’s acquisition and appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.
Zeteo founder and former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan questioned the tone of CBS’s report, highlighting perceived Islamophobic implications. He addressed CBS News directly, expressing his disapproval.
Several commentators, including The Bulwark podcast host Tim Miller, described the coverage as “anti-Muslim.” Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., called out the report as “blatantly racist.” Vox host Astead Herndon lamented the decline in media credibility.
Despite criticism, a CBS News insider dismissed concerns, noting that similar reports about politicians’ deleted posts are published regularly. El-Sayed defended his actions, stating his commitment to building a safer America without unnecessary wars.
CBS News did not provide a comment in response to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Joseph A. Wulfsohn, who covers media for Fox News Digital, contributed to the report.
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