# El Sayed cites Anthropic researchers’ existential warning in call for AI pause

> Source: <https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/technology/4719435/el-sayed-anthropic-threat-humanity-ai-pause/>
> Published: 2026-09-09 21:41:06+00:00

[Michigan](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/michigan/) Senate Democratic nominee [Abdul el Sayed](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/abdul-el-sayed/), on Wednesday, called for a pause in developing artificial intelligence after several AI researchers from Anthropic warned there is a possibility the technology could go rogue and erase humanity.

El Sayed has been skeptical of AI throughout his Senate campaign against GOP candidate Mike Rogers, calling for [government ownership](https://abdulforsenate.com/2026/06/first-do-no-harm-ai-under-democracy/) of the technology and backing a sweeping tax on AI companies’ stock. In [an interview](https://washingtonsun.com/us-news/abdul-el-sayed-michigan-democrat-pause-ai) with the *Washington Sun*, el Sayed claimed the country is at a “break glass moment” with the technology, in the wake of [similar concerns](https://x.com/EvanHub/status/2097497037956891126) from top AI safety researchers issued earlier this week. 

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