'We must...condemn hate in all forms': Biden says of Wall Street Journal's Dearborn piece

President Joe Biden and other political leaders came to the defense of Dearborn on Sunday, two days after the Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece labeling Dearborn as the "America's Jihad Capital."

"Americans know that blaming a group of people based on the words of a small few is wrong. That’s exactly what can lead to Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate, and it shouldn’t happen to the residents of Dearborn – or any American town," Biden posted on X. "We must continue to condemn hate in all forms."

The Wall Street Journal's piece, with the headline "Welcome to Dearborn, America’s Jihad Capital," triggered an online outpouring of hate toward the city. That led Mayor Abdullah Hammoud to announce Saturday that Dearborn police would increase their presence in places of worship and other major infrastructure points in the city.

"This is a direct result of the inflammatory @WSJ opinion piece that has led to an alarming increase in bigoted and Islamophobic rhetoric online targeting the city of Dearborn," Hammoud posted on X.

More: Dearborn mayor calls for increased police after WSJ opinion piece

In another post, Hammoud listed Dearborn's accomplishments, saying it is the fastest growing city in Michigan, the No. 1 travel destination in Michigan, the home of Ford Motor Co., the coffee, food and culture capital of Michigan and one of the most diverse cities in Michigan.

Biden's post supporting Dearborn came just days after a crowd protested the president's scheduled campaign visit to Michigan last Thursday because of his continued support for Israel in its war in Gaza against Hamas.

Other political leaders, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters also posted messages of support for Dearborn on Sunday.

"Dearborn is a vibrant community full of Michiganders who contribute day in and day out to our state.," said Whitmer. "Islamophobia and all forms of hate have no place in Michigan, or anywhere. Period."

"Another example of hate directed at a community that is already hurting, resulting in fear, vitriol, and threats of violence. Dearborn was my home for almost 40 years with the man I loved. My neighborhood and friends were supportive, caring, and dedicated," said Dingell.

"Dearborn and communities throughout Southeastern Michigan are diverse, welcoming, joyful places. The hateful words of a few should never be used to demonize entire faiths or communities," said Stevens. "To our Arab neighbors, you are welcome here. Islamophobia is never the answer."

"Dearborn is a diverse & vibrant community. The @WSJ column that calls this incredible Michigan city a national security threat is not only anti-Arab, anti-Muslim & wrong — it endangers the entire Dearborn community. I'm committed to the safety & security of all Michiganders," Sen. Peters wrote in a post on X.

The Wall Street Journal piece, authored by Steven Stalinsky, said Imams and politicians in Dearborn side with Hamas against Israel and Iran against the U.S.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Biden, politicians show support for Dearborn after opinion piece stirs hate