Civil rights group sues anti-Muslim Congressman Randy Fine for blocking US citizen on X
Civil rights group sues anti-Muslim Congressman Randy Fine for blocking US citizen on X
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has initiated a federal legal action against Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine, who is accused of blocking an American citizen on X. The suit targets Fine for allegedly violating First Amendment rights by silencing a critic who challenged his anti-Muslim views.
Collaborative legal effort
The ADC partnered with Muslim Legal to file the lawsuit. In a statement, the group described Fine as “one of the most bigoted and racist members ever elected to federal office” and highlighted his use of an official public platform to express views on government matters, followed by the suppression of dissenting voices.
“After delivering a racist tirade on his X account, Fine blocked Mr. Masad for mocking his anti-Muslim remarks,” the ADC stated. “This legal action questions his clear-cut viewpoint discrimination, which denies critics the opportunity to engage in public discourse.”
A timeline of contentious statements
Earlier this month, Fine stirred controversy by asserting on X: “If they force us to choose between dogs and Muslims, it’s not a difficult decision.” Masad responded with “Are you asking about what’s for lunch?” prompting Fine to block him. This incident underscores claims of discriminatory behavior.
On Thursday, Fine’s X timeline included labeling Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as a “Somali pirate” and advocating for the deportation of Khalid Turaani, the Ohio chapter head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, whom he called a “Muslim terrorist.” These remarks, along with earlier comments equating “Palestinian” with “evil,” have drawn repeated criticism.
Political and international backlash
Top Democrats in the House previously condemned Fine’s remarks about Congresswoman Omar as “racist” and “Islamophobic,” though no formal action was taken. In October, Qatar’s ambassador to the US issued a direct rebuke to Fine for his Islamophobic and anti-Qatar statements during an interview with Laura Loomer, a far-right social media figure.
Fine, who assumed office last year, replaced Mike Waltz, former national security advisor and current UN ambassador under Trump. His upcoming re-election in November depends on securing the Republican primary in his Florida district, scheduled for August.
