Michigan Senate Candidate Describes Breaking Vodka Bottle in Store

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said on a podcast that he smashed a bottle of vodka inside a Detroit liquor store after a clerk questioned the length of his beard. " He said the clerk asked whether he was Muslim, then stated that his beard was too short.

El-Sayed said he retrieved a fifth of vodka, placed it on the counter, and smashed it on the ground after the clerk told him he could not buy it.

A Republican National Committee spokesperson said the incident shows a willingness to become aggressive over matters of faith. The spokesperson added that Michigan voters see a man with anger management issues who belongs nowhere near the United States Senate.

A spokesperson for El-Sayed's campaign did not address the liquor-store incident. The spokesperson said El-Sayed is angry on behalf of the people when everyday individuals are exploited.

El-Sayed is one of three candidates in the Democratic primary to replace outgoing Sen. Gary Peters. The other candidates are state legislator Mallory McMorrow and Rep. Haley Stevens. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 4. El-Sayed has drawn attention for positions that include Medicare for all, free college education, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

He has also faced scrutiny over past appearances with political commentator Hasan Piker and over comments about U.S. policy toward Israel.