A clip of Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed physically confronting a Sky News reporter has raised red flags with his critics.

Footage of the heated exchange was shared by Fox News on Thursday.

“Are you registered to vote in the state of Michigan?” El-Sayed asked as he walked up to Sky reporter James Matthews just hours before the announcement of his Senate victory.

“I’m not,” the U.S. based British reporter responded.

“Why would I care to have a conversation with you?” El-Sayed shot back.

When Matthews said he was a reporter, the Michigan Democrat repeated his U.K. angle and placed his hands on Matthews’ shoulders… and kept them there.

“I absolutely do not care what you think or the questions you ask!”

Then-Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed is facing criticism after clashing with Sky News reporter James Matthews hours before his election victory.

El-Sayed said he did not want to answer Matthews’ questions because the journalist could not vote in Michigan.

Matthews responded that U.S. elections have global consequences. The exchange escalated as El-Sayed clapped, placed his hands on Matthews’ shoulders and told him to stop “chasing” him.

Read more: https://t.co/o3OXXwxXL1

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 5, 2026

While confrontations with reporters, especially during a highly contentious midterm election, are not surprising, plenty of X users thought El-Sayed’s aggressive actions were unusual, at best.

Not registered to vote in Michigan? Then he doesn’t care what you think. Funny, his whole campaign was about Gaza and the West Bank. Last I checked, nobody there votes in Michigan either.

— Nathan Brumand (@NBrumand) November 5, 2026

He should be very careful putting his hands on people like that.

— Winston Smith (@WSLovesJulia) November 5, 2026

Being this aggressive and taking a physically dominant position with a member of press is wildly concerning. What happens when there are multiple terrorist-supporting senators? This will only get worse and they will get more aggressive as the Muslim brotherhood gains more power.

— 1776 Party (@Fabius_USA) November 5, 2026

His TRUE CHARACTER was revealed in less than 25 hours. Look how this step in Authority has gone to his head. He thinks he’s a World Leader.

— @Pamah11 (@pamelina1111) November 5, 2026

Nothing says ready to govern like grabbing a reporter.

— Space Cowboy (@SpaceCowboyX) November 5, 2026

Sky News gave Fox News Digital a statement about the incident.

“We’re proud of our correspondent James Matthews, who was doing his job: covering the election campaign and asking straightforward questions on behalf of our audiences,” a spokesman told Fox News Digital. “The outcome of U.S. elections has ramifications globally, including in the U.K. and across the 138 countries worldwide where millions of people consume Sky News.”

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