Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson has been accused of spreading misinformation and fueling anti-Muslim sentiment ahead of a planned rally in Dearborn, Michigan. The event, which Hudson calls the "American Crusade," is set to take place on Tuesday at Schaefer Road and Michigan Avenue.
Hudson's campaign has used social media platforms to portray Dearborn as a threat, claiming that the city is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law." He has also claimed that there will be a significant presence of National Guard troops, Marines, and a "Patriot Militia" at the rally, although these claims have not been confirmed.
Despite lacking any official backing for his event, Hudson's message has sparked concern among civil rights advocates. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), warned that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions.
Hudson's rhetoric is being compared to that of conspiracy theorist Mellissa Carone, who has made claims about Muslims being intolerant and violent. Hudson has also used Christian nationalist language, writing "CHRIST WILL NOT BE MOCKED" in one of his social media posts.
The planned rally follows the arrest of three young Dearborn men accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on an LGBTQ+-friendly venue in Ferndale. Federal prosecutors say the men discussed the idea online but were stopped before carrying out any violence.
Critics are labeling Hudson's plan as "divisive" and "inflammatory." His proposals for gutting funding for schools, universities, police, health care, parks, libraries, and infrastructure would devastate Michigan's ability to fund essential services.
Hudson's campaign is struggling to gain traction, with the event's Facebook page showing only 20 attendees despite his claim of 5,000 people attending.
The event has sparked widespread ridicule on social media, with some users questioning Hudson's motives and others mocking his claims about Muslims.
Hudson's campaign has used social media platforms to portray Dearborn as a threat, claiming that the city is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law." He has also claimed that there will be a significant presence of National Guard troops, Marines, and a "Patriot Militia" at the rally, although these claims have not been confirmed.
Despite lacking any official backing for his event, Hudson's message has sparked concern among civil rights advocates. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), warned that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions.
Hudson's rhetoric is being compared to that of conspiracy theorist Mellissa Carone, who has made claims about Muslims being intolerant and violent. Hudson has also used Christian nationalist language, writing "CHRIST WILL NOT BE MOCKED" in one of his social media posts.
The planned rally follows the arrest of three young Dearborn men accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on an LGBTQ+-friendly venue in Ferndale. Federal prosecutors say the men discussed the idea online but were stopped before carrying out any violence.
Critics are labeling Hudson's plan as "divisive" and "inflammatory." His proposals for gutting funding for schools, universities, police, health care, parks, libraries, and infrastructure would devastate Michigan's ability to fund essential services.
Hudson's campaign is struggling to gain traction, with the event's Facebook page showing only 20 attendees despite his claim of 5,000 people attending.
The event has sparked widespread ridicule on social media, with some users questioning Hudson's motives and others mocking his claims about Muslims.
! He's spreading misinformation like wildfire and fueling anti-Muslim sentiment? 
That's just not cool, fam. The way he's portraying Dearborn as a threat to America is super divisive and inflammatory 
. I mean, where's the facts in all this? 
His campaign is struggling to get attention, but instead of focusing on real issues, they're stoking fear and hatred towards an entire community. 
Not cool, dude. CAIR is right to warn that his language can incite harassment - we need more love and less hate in our communities 
. And let's not forget, this guy's rhetoric is being compared to some crazy conspiracy theorist... what's next? 
. And the fact that his own campaign page is showing only 20 attendees for this rally is wild 
. Like, who wants to attend an event where they're gonna be surrounded by people spewing hate speech? Not me, that's for sure 
.
. It's just so tired and predictable. Can we please just have some nuanced discussions about these issues instead of resorting to inflammatory language? 
.
I don't think so. It's just more proof that Hudson is trying to whip up hysteria and panic among his followers.
.
... spreading false info like it's 
... no wonder people don't trust him 
. and oh man, those ppl at his event are gonna be 
... not to mention those 
it's just a rally, people 
. and btw, three young men trying to blow up an LGBTQ+ venue? 
that's just crazy 
... we need more love 
... that's like, a 
... this whole thing is just a 
... mess 
... let's just focus on spreading love 
... no need for hate 
. someone's gotta call him out on it 
. And what's with the Patriot Militia nonsense? 
. And let's be real, his campaign is struggling because no one believes a word he says 
.
i mean we got 3 guys arrested for ISIS plot but instead of focusing on the real threat, Hudson's out here spewing half truths