DETROIT — Abdul El-Sayed recounted smashing a bottle of vodka on the ground in a Detroit liquor store after a staff member criticized the length of his beard during his 2026 Michigan Senate campaign. El-Sayed described the incident in a podcast interview, saying the interaction began when the staff member asked if he was Muslim and then told him his beard was too short.

“He says, ‘Are you Muslim?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Well, your beard is too short.’ I said, ‘Ok you’re gonna judge me? Ok, give me a second, I forgot something.’ So, I walk back, I get a fifth of vodka, and put it on the counter. He’s like, ‘Hey, you can’t buy that,’ and I was like, ‘You’re right, and you can’t sell it.’ So, I smashed it on the ground and walked out.” El-Sayed said.

Hunter Lovell, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, criticized El-Sayed’s account, calling it evidence of instability. “Abdul El-Sayed thinks he gets a free hall pass by using his religion as a way to promote violent extremism. In reality, Michigan voters see a deeply disturbed man with anger management issues who belongs nowhere near the United States Senate.” Lovell said.

Roxie Richner, a spokesperson for El-Sayed’s campaign, defended his reaction as representative of his broader advocacy. “Yes — Abdul is angry on behalf of the people. Unlike Trump who seems more focused on drapes in a ballroom, Abdul gets mad when everyday people get exploited.” Richner said.

El-Sayed, a candidate in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary to replace outgoing Sen. Gary Peters, has advocated for policies including 'Medicare for all,' free college education, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He has also criticized U.S. policy toward Israel, citing humanitarian concerns during the war in Gaza.

El-Sayed has stated that he condemns all forms of religious violence. Following an attack on Temple Israel Michigan in 2026, he issued a press release saying, “He was an Arab American and a Muslim. I condemn what he did. There is never a justification for attacking innocent people or houses of worship. Never.”

The Michigan Democratic Senate primary, which includes El-Sayed, state legislator Mallory McMorrow, and Rep. Haley Stevens, will be held on August 4, 2026.