Nothing says "winning campaign strategy" like telling voters to keep horrifying national tragedy commentary "in perspective." New Jersey Democratic congressional candidate Adam Hamawy, who is running for the Garden State's 12th Congressional District, decided it would be a great idea to defend radical leftist streamer Hasan Piker's infamous declaration that "America deserved 9/11, dude." As The American Tribune reported, Hamawy made these remarks during an online chat with Walter Masterson, who kicked things off by announcing his own love for Piker. Really setting that journalistic tone early.
Hamawy, a retired Army surgeon and the party's nominee for the seat, basically shrugged off Piker's comments by saying we need to view them with some nuance. "I still love the guy though," he told Masterson, which is certainly one way to handle a political landmine. Piker, during that same livestream, also viciously mocked Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost his eye serving in combat. Crenshaw, notably, is considered by many conservatives to be a Republican In Name Only, so he's basically getting it from all sides.
Here's where the story gets even spicier. Piker reportedly justified the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and has called Orthodox Jews "inbred." And yet, Piker gave Hamawy his official endorsement and even rallied for him before the June primary. The candidate has also picked up endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, because of course he has.
Masterson tried playing defense attorney for Piker during the interview, arguing that critics "blow it out of proportion" and noting that if he personally had to talk for eight straight hours on a livestream, who knows what nonsense would tumble out. Hamawy nodded along in agreement. Bold strategy for a guy already under a microscope.
Speaking of microscopes, Hamawy is also facing scrutiny over his connection to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the "Blind Sheikh" convicted of seditious conspiracy in a plot to bomb New York landmarks. Hamawy actually testified on Abdel-Rahman's behalf during the 1995 trial. He's also been linked to a Bosnia-based nonprofit from 1994 that authorities eventually shut down because of ties to Al-Qaeda. His campaign fired back with a statement condemning "that man's violent rhetoric and actions, and all violence, hatred, and terrorism," then accused the media of launching "built-by-association attacks on Muslim and Arab candidates."
Hamawy claims he barely knew who Piker was before running for office, saying his kids were the ones who introduced him to the streamer's content. Nothing like getting political advice from your teenagers.
He's not even the only candidate pulling this move. Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed similarly argued the remarks needed "context." Piker himself called the comment "inappropriate" back in 2019. As Hamawy gears up for the November 2026 general election, one has to wonder if "let's keep 9/11 hot takes in perspective" will be the rallying cry that wins over suburban New Jersey voters. Something tells me it won't be on the yard signs.
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