Right-Wing Gubernatorial Candidate Sparks Islamophobia in Dearborn Ahead of Divisive Rally
A Republican gubernatorial candidate is facing backlash for spreading misinformation and inciting anti-Muslim hate ahead of a planned march in Dearborn. Anthony Hudson, a self-described "America First" candidate, has used his social media platforms to portray the Detroit suburb as a threat, falsely suggesting that Dearborn is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law."
Hudson's divisive rhetoric has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, who warn that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said, "Unfortunately, Mr. Hudson is playing the politics of fear to apparently gain himself publicity."
The planned march, which Hudson has dubbed the "American Crusade," is set to take place in Dearborn's Schaefer Road and Michigan Avenue. Hudson has vowed to expose Dearborn for what he claims it is, but his comments have been widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive.
Hudson's platform includes a vow to eliminate both the state income tax and property taxes, which would devastate Michigan's ability to fund essential services such as schools, police, healthcare, and infrastructure. Economists say that eliminating these taxes would create a multibillion-dollar hole in the state's budget and cripple services.
Despite his divisive rhetoric, Hudson has no statewide name recognition and is facing well-known Republicans in the primary election. His odious comments have raised questions about whether he can drum up support for his campaign.
The planned march comes ahead of the arrest of three young Dearborn men accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on an LGBTQ+-friendly venue in Ferndale. Hudson has falsely claimed that there is Muslim "infiltration everywhere" and that Sharia law will be banned in Dearborn, which is not true.
Hudson's remarks have also drawn criticism from other right-wing individuals who have mocked Muslims or encouraged bigotry in replies to his posts on X. One user suggested bringing bacon bits, while others used pejoratives to describe Muslims. Hudson responded by saying that they are "demons."
The video of the anti-Muslim protest from 2011 in Dearborn, which Hudson posted ahead of the march, has been widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive. The video features Pastor Terry Jones taunting Muslims, leading to the arrests of a handful of counter-protesters.
In another post, Hudson wrote that "Sharia law will be banned." However, Sharia law has never been practiced in Dearborn, nor would it be legally permissible under the U.S. Constitution.
Hudson's comments have sparked outrage among community leaders and civil rights advocates, who warn that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions.
A Republican gubernatorial candidate is facing backlash for spreading misinformation and inciting anti-Muslim hate ahead of a planned march in Dearborn. Anthony Hudson, a self-described "America First" candidate, has used his social media platforms to portray the Detroit suburb as a threat, falsely suggesting that Dearborn is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law."
Hudson's divisive rhetoric has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, who warn that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said, "Unfortunately, Mr. Hudson is playing the politics of fear to apparently gain himself publicity."
The planned march, which Hudson has dubbed the "American Crusade," is set to take place in Dearborn's Schaefer Road and Michigan Avenue. Hudson has vowed to expose Dearborn for what he claims it is, but his comments have been widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive.
Hudson's platform includes a vow to eliminate both the state income tax and property taxes, which would devastate Michigan's ability to fund essential services such as schools, police, healthcare, and infrastructure. Economists say that eliminating these taxes would create a multibillion-dollar hole in the state's budget and cripple services.
Despite his divisive rhetoric, Hudson has no statewide name recognition and is facing well-known Republicans in the primary election. His odious comments have raised questions about whether he can drum up support for his campaign.
The planned march comes ahead of the arrest of three young Dearborn men accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on an LGBTQ+-friendly venue in Ferndale. Hudson has falsely claimed that there is Muslim "infiltration everywhere" and that Sharia law will be banned in Dearborn, which is not true.
Hudson's remarks have also drawn criticism from other right-wing individuals who have mocked Muslims or encouraged bigotry in replies to his posts on X. One user suggested bringing bacon bits, while others used pejoratives to describe Muslims. Hudson responded by saying that they are "demons."
The video of the anti-Muslim protest from 2011 in Dearborn, which Hudson posted ahead of the march, has been widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive. The video features Pastor Terry Jones taunting Muslims, leading to the arrests of a handful of counter-protesters.
In another post, Hudson wrote that "Sharia law will be banned." However, Sharia law has never been practiced in Dearborn, nor would it be legally permissible under the U.S. Constitution.
Hudson's comments have sparked outrage among community leaders and civil rights advocates, who warn that such language can incite harassment and deepen divisions.
its not fair 2 ppl who r tryna live their best lives & bein attacked by a politican cuz of it is super whack 
u can have ur "america first" candidate but dont come 4 us with that hate 
, like how can you just use people's fears to get attention? he's playing right-wing politics of fear to get publicity, but at what cost? it's not about Dearborn or Muslims, it's about dividing a community. we need to educate ourselves on what's real and what's fake, and we need to call out the lies when we see them. remember, hate speech is never the answer 
.
. He's using fear-mongering to get attention, but all he's doing is dividing people, especially in Dearborn where Muslims are a huge part of the community 
. The thing is, what if he doesn't have the support he thinks he does? What then? 
I mean, his plan to cut income and property taxes would be disastrous for Michigan, but hey, maybe that's not even on people's minds when they're worried about being targeted because of their faith 
. Hudson needs to stop inciting hate and focus on real solutions that benefit everyone 
.
and he dont know the first thing about Dearborn 
his comments are so hurtful and divisive 
he talks bad about Muslims and Sharia law but theres no truth 2 it 
and what hurts me is dat ppl r gettin mad at him 4 it 2 
meanwhile, his own economic plan wud hurt a lot of good people in Michigan 
u gotta stop with this hate speech already!!! Anthony Hudson is just trying to get attention by stirring up division & fear amongst ppl. he's got no one but himself to blame for the backlash 
. let's focus on the real issues facing Michigan & work together as a community instead of tearing each other down 
.
