Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has defended his previous criticism of Fourth of July fireworks, telling listeners on "The Breakfast Club" radio show that Americans have "other ways" to express their patriotism. The Michigan candidate's remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of his past online comments, after a CNN report found he had deleted or hidden roughly 100 YouTube videos before launching his Senate campaign, including one urging Americans to abandon fireworks over health and safety concerns.

Speaking to host Charlamagne tha God, El-Sayed argued that fireworks displays worsen air quality and can trigger asthma attacks and heart problems the following day, while insisting he was not calling for fireworks to be banned outright. The deleted video reportedly listed several reasons "why fireworks suck" and warned of risks to children and pets. Republican rival Mike Rogers has seized on the resurfaced comments, accusing El-Sayed of hiding views that would alienate voters who enjoy the traditional Independence Day pastime. Neither campaign responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.