A town hall meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, turned contentious as Pastor Lorenzo Sewell accused the city of operating under Sharia law. Sewell, leading the 180 Church, expressed concerns about perceived Muslim influence, claiming the city no longer follows American laws.
Sewell’s comments align with ongoing anti-Islam protests in Dearborn. He voiced fears that Muslim communities in Michigan aim to reshape civic life to match their religious beliefs, which he argues conflict with broader national values. These remarks were made at an event where Sewell spoke against what he calls favoritism towards Muslims.
Sewell’s concerns date back to an incident involving Jake Lang, a political activist, who claims inadequate legal action against Muslim counterprotesters who allegedly assaulted him. Lang, who promotes American cultural values, has had previous confrontations with Muslims in Dearborn. He has shared controversial statements online and protested events like the city’s Arbaeen March.
“You are only 1% of this nation. We are not a nation of Muslims,”
Sewell stated, emphasizing his belief that Dearborn enforces Sharia law, leading to uneven treatment under the guise of religious freedom.
During a recent protest led by Lang, tensions flared when he was physically attacked while holding a sign with a provocative message. Police arrested one individual involved, but Lang and Sewell demand further legal action.
The city officials, including Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, have countered these claims. Hammoud stressed unity, stating that attacks on Muslim presence disregard the contributions of other religious communities in Dearborn. The mayor affirmed that Dearborn embraces all faiths.
According to the 2020 U.S. census, Dearborn’s population is primarily of Middle Eastern or North African heritage, with Arabs comprising about 54.5% of residents. This demographic aspect has contributed to the city’s cultural landscape, drawing mixed reactions from various community members.
Leo Briceno, a politics reporter with Fox News Digital, previously reported for World Magazine.