A Michigan Senate candidate placed his hands on a British reporter’s shoulders during a heated exchange on Election Night. This physical confrontation happened while the race was still too close to call, according to the Washington Examiner. The candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, told the journalist to stop “chasing” him around the event. He then claimed he wants “zero” votes from the United Kingdom.
The incident occurred Tuesday night as election results came in for the Senate race. El-Sayed, a Democrat running to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, got into a back-and-forth with Sky News correspondent James Matthews. Per the Daily Wire, several video angles show an angry El-Sayed stepping uncomfortably close before placing both hands on the reporter. Matthews tried to explain that he is a journalist, but the candidate cut him off immediately.
The Question That Started It All
El-Sayed asked the reporter a direct question about his voting status in Michigan. “Are you registered to vote in the state of Michigan?” the Democratic candidate asked, according to the New York Post. Matthews replied that he lacks voter registration within the state. El-Sayed used this answer to justify why he would not speak with the foreign press. He stated, “Then why would I care to have a conversation with you?”
The candidate doubled down on his dismissal of the British media outlet. He slammed Sky News’s viewership in the United States, claiming that “like five people watch it.” He told the reporter, “I’m asking you to stop chasing me around,” before walking away. This behavior shows a candidate who feels entitled to ignore questions from international observers. He placed his hands on a journalist simply because the reporter asked him a question.
A Candidate Who Rejects Global Stakes
Following the argument, he spoke directly to the camera, “There are consequences for the rest of the world in terms of what happens here, who gets elected and who has power.” El-Sayed seemed to reject this idea entirely. He asked, “A senator in where, what country?” When Matthews replied “In the United States of America,” El-Sayed retorted, “The leader of the free world.”
The exchange highlights a disconnect between the candidate’s view of his role and the reality of the position. He claimed he wants “zero” votes in the UK and stated, “I’m never running for office in the UK.” He then told the reporter, “I do not care what you think or the questions you ask.” The Daily Wire noted that El-Sayed took his hands off Matthews’ shoulders to clap in his face as he emphasized the words “do not care.” This aggressive posture toward a member of the press is concerning for any voter who values free speech.
