Michigan Democrat in swing race praised far-left streamer Hasan Piker
Michigan Democratic primary winner William Lawrence faces criticism for seeking an appearance on the show of far-left influencer Hasan Piker, who said America deserved the 9/11 attacks.
William Lawrence secured victory in last week’s primary and will challenge incumbent Representative Tom Barrett, a Republican, in November. According to Ryan King writing in New York Post, Lawrence actively courted an appearance on the livestream of Hasan Piker, a controversial far-left commentator.
The two met in April at an event supporting Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, where Lawrence introduced himself as a progressive organizer and co-founder of the climate-focused Sunrise Movement. Lawrence told Piker he was running against what he termed carpetbagging war hawks while promoting a platform centered on Palestine, housing, and healthcare while opposing defense spending and wealth accumulation.
Lawrence expressed admiration for Piker and requested a future appearance on his program, thanking the influencer for his activism.
Controversial Statements Draw Fire
Piker drew national condemnation in 2019 for declaring that America deserved the attacks on September 11, 2001. While he later described the remark as inappropriate, he has recently displayed a framed front page from the New York Times dated September 12, 2001, showing the burning World Trade Center towers behind him during his broadcasts.
The influencer has also defended the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel as a direct consequence of Israeli policies, dismissed accounts of terrorist sexual violence as irrelevant to his position, and praised Chinese Communist dictator Mao Zedong, under whose rule an estimated 40 to 70 million people died in famine.
Additional controversial positions include suggestions that Republican Party membership should be criminalized and expressions of support for Hezbollah.
Republicans Target Democratic Senate Candidate
Michigan Republicans have launched attacks against El-Sayed over his association with Piker. Lawrence defeated former United States Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and former counterterrorism official Matt Maasdam in the Democratic primary for the Lansing-anchored district.
In response to questions about the relationship, Lawrence defended his accessibility to voters and media across the political spectrum. His campaign stated he has no current plans to appear on Piker’s program and does not endorse all of the influencer’s statements.
Lawrence maintained membership in the Democratic Socialists of America until immediately before the August 4 primary election.
With information from New York Post
