A widely shared online video falsely claimed that Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed issued a religious decree targeting reporters over inquiries regarding extremism.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — As anticipation builds ahead of the midterm elections, social media platforms have seen the spread of a fabricated rumor alleging that Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed threatened journalists who questioned his background.
The online post quickly generated significant backlash, prompting numerous users to question its authenticity and demand verification.
The Allegation: Did El-Sayed Threaten the Press?
According to the circulating clip, El-Sayed purportedly declared a fatwa—a formal Islamic legal ruling—against any reporter attempting to ask about supposed extremist ties, his association with commentator Hassan Piker, or his views on major historical events like 9/11 and Hamas.
The fictitious quote attributed to the candidate at a campaign event stated: “I am tired of all these journalists asking questions about my support for t*********. I hereby issue a fatwa against them… This is your final warning. Do not ask me any more questions… Those topics are off limits from now on.”
While many social media users took the clip at face value and directed criticism at the candidate, others remained doubtful and sought out fact-checkers.
Fact Check: The Video Is Entirely Fabricated
In reality, the claim is completely unfounded. There is zero evidence that the Michigan Democrat ever made such a statement.
A comprehensive review of El-Sayed’s recent campaign stops reveals no instances of him mentioning a fatwa or issuing threats to journalists. Furthermore, no official press releases, social media statements, or public announcements correspond to the claims made in the video.
Given the explosive nature of such a declaration, mainstream news organizations would have covered the story extensively had it actually occurred.
The source of the rumor traces back to ‘The Babylon Bee,’ a well-known satirical publication that explicitly labels its content as fiction in its profile description.
Context: Trump’s Attacks on El-Sayed
The parody video gained traction following recent public attacks by President Donald Trump, who publicly questioned El-Sayed’s loyalty and alleged connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.
“He’s a Muslim Brotherhood guy. One hundred percent,” Trump asserted during a White House appearance. “The guy’s 100% Muslim Brotherhood… He hates our country.”
These allegations have emerged as a central flashpoint in the closely watched Michigan Senate race, where El-Sayed is competing against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman and FBI veteran.