University of Chicago professor Eman Abdelhadi, half sister of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, was arrested on October 3, 2024, and charged with two counts of aggravated battery to a government employee and two counts of resisting/obstructing peace. The arrest followed an incident at an anti-ICE protest in suburban Chicago, where she allegedly spat on an Illinois state trooper. Abdelhadi’s arrest comes one year after she posted a video on October 7, 2024, in which she delivered a blessing referencing the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks that killed approximately 1,200 people.
El-Sayed’s campaign distanced itself from Abdelhadi’s remarks and legal issues, stating that while he disagrees with her rhetoric, his campaign focuses on his own record and platform. The Senate race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is considered pivotal in determining control of the U.S. Senate.
Abdelhadi’s arrest and remarks spark scrutiny
Abdelhadi, an associate professor in the Department of Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago, was booked into the Cook County Jail on October 3, 2024, following the alleged incident at the Broadview ICE facility. She faces Class 3 felony charges for aggravated battery and Class A misdemeanors for resisting/obstructing peace. The arrest occurred one day after she appeared on the podcast ‘Movement Memos’, where she criticized ICE operations in the area.
In her October 7, 2024, Instagram video, Abdelhadi opened with the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ and framed it as a reflection on justice amid oppression. She did not mention the victims of the Hamas attacks in her remarks. The video was filmed while she wore a keffiyeh, a traditional scarf often associated with Palestinian political movements. El-Sayed’s campaign confirmed to Fox News Digital that he disagrees with her rhetoric but emphasized that his campaign is defined by his own policy positions and public service record.
Abdelhadi’s background and activism
Abdelhadi is a half-Egyptian and half-Palestinian academic and writer, known for her activism on issues including Palestinian rights, Islamophobia, and queer advocacy. She identifies as Muslim and queer, using she/they pronouns. Her work includes co-authoring the book ‘Everything for Everyone: An Oral History of the New York Commune, 2052-2072’ and contributing to ‘Homosexual Intifada’, a collection of works by queer Palestinian writers.
Her activism has drawn attention in the past, including her participation in protests against ICE and her criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement. In a June 2024 United Nations report, actions by the Israeli military in Gaza were alleged to constitute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, though this report has been widely contested by Israeli officials and independent analysts.
Political fallout and campaign response
The revelation of Abdelhadi’s remarks and arrest has intensified scrutiny on El-Sayed’s campaign as he prepares to face Republican Mike Rogers in the November 2024 Senate election. El-Sayed, a progressive candidate who won the Democratic primary, has not publicly addressed his sister’s comments. His campaign reiterated that voters should focus on his policy platform rather than his relatives’ statements.
The Senate race is seen as a potential bellwether for control of the U.S. Senate, with both parties closely monitoring competitive contests. El-Sayed’s opponents have highlighted his past support for defunding the police, a stance he has not revisited publicly in recent months. His campaign did not respond to requests for further comment on Abdelhadi’s remarks or the arrest.
Legal and political implications
Abdelhadi’s arrest and the timing of her remarks have raised questions about the intersection of activism, free speech, and public safety. Critics argue that her rhetoric and actions undermine broader political discourse, while supporters contend that her activism reflects legitimate opposition to state violence. The legal proceedings against her are ongoing, with no trial date set as of the latest reporting.
El-Sayed’s campaign continues to emphasize his record in public service and his platform on economic and social issues, framing the Senate race as a choice between competing visions for Michigan and the nation. The controversy surrounding his half sister adds a layer of complexity to an already closely watched electoral contest.