Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, accused former President Donald Trump of inciting terrorism in a 2020 interview, referencing a foiled kidnapping plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The plot involved a group of men associated with anti-government militia circles, including the Wolverine Watchmen, who allegedly planned to abduct Whitmer from her vacation home in northern Michigan to end COVID-19 restrictions.

El-Sayed stated, "These are terrorists; we have to call them that. We have to recognize that that is what the face of terrorism looks like right now. We have to step up against it." He also highlighted the threat posed by "radical, far-right White Supremacy and the terrorists who would undo our society’s basic norms and mores."

Although President Trump did not explicitly call for violence against Whitmer, El-Sayed argued that Trump bore partial responsibility, pointing to a tweet Trump posted six months before the plot was uncovered. However, FBI comments to local media indicated the plot originated before Trump's post. El-Sayed described such posts as emblematic of a cultural toxicity increasing the likelihood of violence.

The New York Times later reported that four of the 12 individuals charged in connection with the plot were government agents or informants, leading to accusations of entrapment.

El-Sayed's remarks come as he competes in a tight primary race for the Michigan Senate seat. His comments raise questions about the influence of political rhetoric on radicalization and violence.

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