Fact Check: Did Abdul El-Sayed threaten journalists who questioned his alleged extremist links?
LANSING, MICHIGAN: Ahead of the midterm elections, which Democrats are projected to win, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has threatened journalists who questioned his alleged links to extremism.
The claim has sparked concern and criticism, with many calling for a fact-check.
Claim: Abdul El-Sayed threatened journalists
According to a viral video circulating on social media, El-Sayed issued a fatwa against journalists who ask questions about his alleged support for extremism. In Islamic law, a fatwa is a religious ruling issued by a scholar.
“I am tired of all these journalists asking questions about my support for t*********. I hereby issue a fatwa against them," El-Sayed allegedly said at a campaign rally.
“This is your final warning. Do not ask me any more questions about t******** or my connection with Hassan Piker or what I think about 9/11 or Hamas.
Those topics are off limits from now on,” he said, according to the post.
The post has garnered tens of thousands of views as of this writing, with many appearing to believe that it contains an authentic statement by El-Sayed, prompting criticism of the candidate. Meanwhile, a few others remained skeptical and called for a fact-check.
Fact Check: Abdul El-Sayed made no such remark
The claim, however, is false, as there are no reports of the Michigan Democrat making such a statement or threatening journalists.
A review of his recent campaign rallies shows no mention of a fatwa or the serious allegations made in the post. El-Sayed has also made no official statements, announcements, press conferences, or social media posts supporting the claim.
If he had made such a remark, prominent news media outlets would likely have widely covered it, given the controversial nature of the alleged statement.
Moreover, the claim originated from a satirical account called ‘The Babylon Bee,’ which describes itself in its bio as ‘Fake News.’
Trump accuses Abdul El-Sayed of ties to extremist organisations
The claim surfaced after President Donald Trump attacked El-Sayed, accusing him of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and questioning his patriotism.
"He's a Muslim Brotherhood guy. One hundred percent," Trump said during an event at the White House on Thursday. "The guy's 100% Muslim Brotherhood," the president said. "He hates our country."
The accusations have become a major talking point in the Michigan Senate contest between El-Sayed and Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a congressman and former FBI agent.
