DEARBORN — In response to recent comments from Kalkaska Village President Jeff Seiting, state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement:

“I am deeply disturbed and disgusted by the social media posts made by Kalkaska Village President Jeff Seiting calling for the genocide of all Muslim people. This type of rhetoric is not only dangerous, it perpetuates hate and exasperates strife. We’ve seen numerous examples of divisive comments leading to violence — most recently in Washington, D.C., with the tragic targeting and shooting of several individuals, including members of Congress. Mr. Seiting's violent and racist remarks encouraging terrorism and genocide against fellow Americans have no place anywhere, and certainly not in a country founded on religious freedom. He has made a mockery of elected office and of the Michigan and United States constitutions he swore to uphold. I strongly urge him to resign immediately, educate himself to rid this willful ignorance, and to seek professional help to work through personal issues that have resulted in this much hatred. 

“Additionally, I strongly urge Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to swiftly investigate this call for genocide and domestic terrorism made by Mr. Seiting.”