El-Sayed Blasts Fireworks, Football and the Second Amendment in Old YouTube Videos: Report

Screenshot via Zeteo

Oh say can you see…no fireworks or football? Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s (D) past views on iconic aspects of American life might make some voters take note.

The progressive candidate, who narrowly won his Aug. 4 primary over Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) to face Republican Mike Rogers in November, was caught hating on ultra-American things like fireworks, the Second Amendment and even — gasp! — football in old YouTube videos.

The clips, some of which have since been deleted, were reported by CNN’s K-File.

In one now-deleted July 2024 video, El-Sayed, 41, says, “Fireworks suck!” and pleads with viewers to find another way to celebrate July 4th.

The clip offered multiple reasons “why fireworks suck,” including air quality, the chemicals in the explosive celebrations, the risks to kids and pets, and the potential for the noisy fireworks to impact veterans and others struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Another video shows El-Sayed claiming the southern border, a repeated talking point for Republicans during President Joe Biden’s term, was not a top concern for Americans, while another now-removed clip had the candidate musing about replacing the Second Amendment.

El-Sayed considered replacing the nation’s infamous right to bear arms with a right to health care, according to CNN.

One video that remains online has El-Sayed even trashing football, wondering if the sport — known for widespread concerns about concussions — can be “safe” and “ethical,” CNN reported.

The campaign told CNN the older videos are not representative of El-Sayed’s views now, noting a 2025 social media post in which he encouraged followers to enjoy fireworks for the July 4 holiday and that he respects the Second Amendment.

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