A Shiite mosque in Dearborn, Michigan, has held a memorial service honoring Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following his death during the U.S.-Israeli military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
Speakers at the event praised Khamenei’s life and described his death as “martyrdom,” while also delivering speeches sharply critical of the United States.
Speakers at the event accused the American people of being “devil-worshipers” who are living on “stolen land.”
They also argued that the United States is being led by “Satan.”
“We’re gathered here today to commemorate the martyrdom of the great leader of our time, Sayyid Ali Hussein Khamenei,” Hassan Salamey said during remarks at the Hadi Institute on Sunday.
The event occurred one day after U.S. and Israeli forces killed Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials during the military operation targeting the regime’s leadership.
Video of the memorial circulated widely online after being shared by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
WATCH:
Dearborn Shiite Mosque Memorial for Khamenei: This Country Was Built by Devil-Worshipers; Statue of Liberty Is Lucifer; Khamenei Was the Great Leader of Our Time, Received Martyrdom After 86 Years of Jihad – We Want Our Children to Grow Up with This Culture pic.twitter.com/PDYfHMi9A4
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) March 3, 2026
Speech Accuses U.S. of Satanic Influence
Salamey, a poet and attorney, recited a poem accusing the United States of being founded by what he described as “devil-worshipers” and alleging the country is controlled by secretive forces.
“We might think this was an attack led by Zionist Jews, but the commander of their mission is the very one who was trying to prove that Adam was not worth prostrating to: Iblis [Satan] is the one behind the scenes,” Salamey said.
“Iblis [Satan] is the hidden commander of today’s society,” he added.
Salamey also referenced the so-called “Epstein class” and claimed the United States was created for elites connected to that system.
“Regardless of the stooge we put at the desk of the Oval Office, Republican or Democrats, or even if 1,000 elections come to pass, it is clear that this country was built for and built by the Epstein class and that, just like Palestine, we live on stolen land,” Salamey said.
His remarks included references to Freemasons and a claim that the Statue of Liberty represents Lucifer.
“The Statue of Liberty is actually Lucifer, a demonic bearer holding a torch of light,” he said.
Imam Praises Khamenei’s ‘Martyrdom’
Usama Abdulghani, the imam at the Hadi Institute, also spoke at the event.
He praised Khamenei’s life and said the Iranian leader achieved “this ultimate honor” after what he described as decades of struggle.
Abdulghani thanked parents who brought their children to the gathering.
He said their presence would help ensure “our children will grow up with this culture, where we remember our martyrs, and we’re not ashamed of them.”
Footage from the event also showed attendees invoking “the Mahdi,” a figure in Twelver Shia Islamic theology believed to return at the end of times to restore justice.
Similar Memorial Held in Virginia
According to Fox News, a separate memorial honoring Khamenei took place in Manassas, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
The Virginia-based Manassas Mosque posted about the event on social media, describing the Iranian leader as “our leader” and announcing a Ramadan gathering in honor of his “martyrdom.”
The post was later deleted.
“Manassas Mosque extends its condolences and glad tidings on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the mosque wrote in the archived message.
Backlash on Social Media
Clips from the Dearborn memorial prompted strong reactions online.
“This is in Michigan. In the United States,” New York City Council Member Vickie Paladino wrote on X.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) also responded to the footage.
“We have a Muslim problem in America,” Fine wrote.
Dearborn has one of the largest Arab-American populations in the United States and has drawn national attention in recent years during political disputes involving religion and Middle East policy.
Activist Groups Protest U.S. Strikes
Meanwhile, anti-war activist group Code Pink organized demonstrations in Washington, D.C., opposing the U.S. strikes against Iran.
The organization worked with the Manassas Mosque and other allies for the protests held last month and earlier this week.
Code Pink describes itself as an anti-war feminist organization, but has been criticized by opponents for defending groups aligned with Iran.
The Manassas Mosque has publicly supported the 1979 Iranian revolution and has expressed backing for Hamas, the Iran-backed militant group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
Neither Code Pink nor the Manassas Mosque responded to requests for comment regarding the demonstrations.
Iran’s government has faced international criticism and domestic protests for enforcing strict religious rules, particularly those requiring women to cover their hair or face penalties, including detention.
Despite those controversies, the memorial events and protests highlight the deep divisions in the United States over the military campaign against Iran.
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