Debate clip misleadingly framing attacks on Abdul El-Sayed as proof of terror ties?

checkthis · automated fact-check · How we check · Reel by @townhallmedia

This Reel uses real Michigan Senate debate footage to push the misleading claim that Abdul El-Sayed failed to condemn terrorist groups and holds ties to extremists. While the video accurately captures heated exchanges from the debate, its framing ignores public records showing El-Sayed explicitly condemned terrorist attacks and Hamas war crimes. Reporting by CBS News and the Detroit Free Press confirms that claims linking El-Sayed to terrorist organizations or the Muslim Brotherhood are unfounded and misleading.

6 claims checked
7 sources
Checked 8 Nov 2026
Main source: Michigan Senate Debate Abdul El-Sayed Mike Rogers | Rev

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The Reel we checked

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"If you can't condemn the IRGC, you have no business in the United States Senate." Mike Rogers vs. Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate debate. Asked whether…

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What we checked

During the debate, Abdul El-Sayed was asked whether Israel or Iran is a bigger threat to the United States.“Michigan Senate Debate”Michigan Senate Debate Abdul El-Sayed Mike Rogers | Rev

Abdul El-Sayed stated that both Israel and Iran have proven dangerous in their own way.“Michigan Senate Debate”Michigan Senate Debate Abdul El-Sayed Mike Rogers | Rev

Mike Rogers accused Abdul El-Sayed of failing to condemn a terrorist act in Michigan, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood.“This past March, after a terrorist attack on a and preschool, El-Sayed condemned the violence.”60 Minutes Transcript: Candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers on the Michigan Senate race - CBS News + 1 more

Abdul El-Sayed stated during the debate that he did condemn the terrorist act.“This past March, after a terrorist attack on a and preschool, El-Sayed condemned the violence.”60 Minutes Transcript: Candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers on the Michigan Senate race - CBS News

Mike Rogers asserted that Abdul El-Sayed took money from groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and individuals supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda.“El-Sayed's campaign has collected more than $115,000 from individuals who work for or have held leadership roles with the Council on American-Islamic Relations”Abdul El-Sayed accepted $115K from CAIR-affiliated donors, records show | Fox News + 1 more

Abdul El-Sayed stated he does not want US tax dollars buying weapons for other countries.“This past March, after a terrorist attack on a and preschool, El-Sayed condemned the violence.”60 Minutes Transcript: Candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers on the Michigan Senate race - CBS News

What we couldn't check

We couldn't find the full original video, so we can't say what was said just before or after this clip.

Our read of the video

Authentic broadcast footage from the Michigan U.S. Senate candidate debate featuring Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed.

An AI assessment from the footage alone; watch the video and judge for yourself.

What the Reel doesn't tell you

The Reel presents Mike Rogers' debate accusations as established facts without noting that El-Sayed had previously condemned terrorist violence and Hamas war crimes, or that media fact-checkers found the allegations of terrorist ties misleading.
Abdul El-Sayed stated during the debate that he explicitly condemned the terrorist violence and disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood, while his campaign explained that previous references to dual Egyptian citizenship were erroneous administrative mistakes.
CBS News and Israel National News report that Abdul El-Sayed explicitly condemned the March terrorist attack in Michigan and acknowledged Hamas's responsibility for war crimes. Bridge Michigan and the Detroit Free Press reported that claims linking El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood or designated terrorist organizations are misleading and lack supporting evidence.

How it plays you

It wants you to think: “Abdul El-Sayed failed to condemn terrorist groups like IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah during the debate and holds questionable ties, whereas Mike Rogers strongly called him out.”

The conclusion that El-Sayed is unfit for office due to failing to condemn terrorism rests on false premises, as news reporting confirms he explicitly condemned terrorist acts and Hamas war crimes.

Short version

🔀 DOESN'T FOLLOW 👉 Footage of Abdul El-Sayed from a Michigan debate is used to falsely suggest he holds ties to extremists and failed to condemn terrorism. 👉 El-Sayed explicitly condemned terrorist attacks, and CBS News and the Detroit Free Press confirmed links to terror groups are unfounded. 🔎 Full check: send this Reel to @checkthis.chat