US President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, linking his opponent to extremist groups and making controversial comparisons to the perpetrators of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Speaking before supporters on Sunday, Trump sought to portray El-Sayed as a radical figure and warned voters against electing him to the US Senate.

“I’m here to keep a jihadist, Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator,” Trump told the crowd.

If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim member of the US Senate, a milestone that has drawn national attention in one of the country’s most closely watched midterm election contests.

The race is considered pivotal in determining control of the Senate, with El-Sayed facing Republican candidate Mike Rogers for an open seat in Michigan.

During the rally, Trump escalated his criticism by comparing opposition to El-Sayed with the actions of passengers aboard United Flight 93, who fought back against hijackers during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

“Twenty-five years later, Michigan needs to stand up and fight, just like Todd did, to stop a jihadist from walking into the Capitol,” Trump said, referring to Todd Beamer, one of the passengers credited with helping prevent the hijacked aircraft from reaching its intended target.

El-Sayed has repeatedly rejected allegations questioning his loyalty or political beliefs and has defended both his record and his faith throughout the campaign.

In a recent advertisement, he addressed criticism related to his religion, saying:

“Faith is a thing there’s just too little of in Washington.”

The Democratic candidate has described attempts to portray him as anti-American as unfair and divisive, arguing that such rhetoric distracts from substantive policy debates.

The comments generated strong reactions among rally attendees, with some members of the audience reportedly shouting insults and calling for El-Sayed’s deportation, despite the fact that he was born in Michigan.

One attendee, Terrance Camburn, a military veteran from Michigan, said he supported Trump’s criticism because of what he described as disagreements with El-Sayed’s political views.

The Michigan Senate race has emerged as one of the most competitive contests in the country, with both parties investing heavily ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Political analysts expect issues such as the economy, national security, immigration, and cultural identity to remain central themes as candidates make their final appeals to voters.