Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Governor Gretchen Whitmer remained silent as protesters spoke in Dearborn, Michigan., Those who shouted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during the International Al-Quds Day rally were condemned by the White House and local leaders.
An hour-long rally was held Friday in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, led by local activist Takek Batsi.
In the video: Posted by Middle East Media Institute, Mr. Batsi blamed Israel and the United States.
“Death to America, death to America,” protesters chanted.
“Death to Israel, death to Israel,” they echoed.
The White House on Tuesday condemned the protests in Dearborn, Michigan. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Governor Gretchen Whitmer remained silent in the wake of the pro-Palestinian protests. (Getty Images)
Activist who incited “Death to America” chant calls for Israel’s “absolute annihilation” in unearthed video
Local activist Takek Bazzi led a pro-Palestinian rally on April 5, 2024 at the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn, Michigan. (Middle East Media Research Institute)
Bazzi said the chant was a tribute to former Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini.
“This is why Imam Khomeini, who declared International Al-Quds Day, said to pour all your chants and all your shots into America’s head,” Bazzi said.
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Presidential Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 9, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in response to a question from Fox News that President Biden condemned the chant.
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When Mr. Heinrich asked if the president was accusing the president of anti-Americanism and Israeli chants, she said, “Yes.”
“The president has made clear that it is important to give people the space to protest peacefully. But we will condemn violent rhetoric of any kind,” Jean-Pierre said. he said.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud speaks at an interfaith vigil for Aaron Bushnell in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library on March 3, 2024 in Dearborn, Michigan. (Jeff Kowalski/AFP via Getty Images)
Fox News reached out to Congressman Tlaib and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but did not immediately receive a response.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud publicly condemned the chant, calling it “unacceptable and against the heart of Dearborn.”
“Over the weekend, video emerged of a rally in Dearborn in which some participants chanted statements that are unacceptable and antithetical to the heart of our city,” he said.
“We reject all inflammatory and violent statements made at the rally. Dearborn is a proud American city. does not reflect the views of,” Hammoud wrote in the X post. “The Dearborn community champions peace and justice for all people. We are proud to call this city and this country home.”
A girl holds a Palestinian flag during an interfaith vigil in memory of Aaron Bushnell outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library on March 3, 2024 in Dearborn, Michigan. (Jeff Kowalski/AFP via Getty Images)
Dr. Mahmoud Al Hadidi, Chairman of the Michigan Muslim Community Council, told FOX2 He argued that the incident should be investigated as hate speech.
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“It’s terrible for someone who lives on our soil and breathes our air to say something like that. The screams of the crowd…do not represent Muslims in the United States.” Al Hadidi the doctor said. “It should be investigated as hate speech. Hate speech is extremely dangerous.”
