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) filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday against Randy Fine, a Republican congressman from Florida, for blocking an American citizen on X. The action was taken after Fine expressed anti-Muslim views, leading to the plaintiff’s disagreement.
Collaborative legal action
The ADC partnered with Muslim Legal to initiate the lawsuit. In a statement, the group highlighted Fine’s discriminatory behavior, accusing him of infringing on First Amendment rights by silencing critics on his official X account.
“Fine, one of the most bigoted and racist members ever elected to federal office, is being sued for violating the First Amendment Rights of plaintiff Amjad Masad. After going on a racist tirade on his official X account, Fine blocked Mr Masad for mocking his anti-Muslim post,” the ADC stated.
Inciting remarks and consequences
Fine’s timeline on X revealed him calling Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar a “Somali pirate” and suggesting the deportation of Khalid Turaani, the Ohio chapter leader of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, whom he labeled a “Muslim terrorist.” The lawsuit argues that Fine’s actions constitute viewpoint discrimination, as he posted inflammatory content and then excluded dissenting voices from public discourse.
Earlier this month, Fine’s comments about dogs and Muslims sparked backlash. He posted, “If they force us to choose between dogs and Muslims, it’s not a difficult one,” prompting Masad to retort, “Are you asking about what’s for lunch?” At that point, Fine blocked him.
Political context and recent actions
Fine is a member of the “Sharia Free America Caucus,” a newly formed group by Republican lawmakers. The group’s focus on opposing Islamic Sharia Law in the US has raised questions about its alignment with constitutional principles of church-state separation.
In September 2024, Fine faced criticism for celebrating the death of Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank. His May 2025 remark on Fox News, suggesting Gaza should be “nuked” like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, further intensified scrutiny.
Reactions from allies and critics
California Democrat Ro Khanna criticized Fine’s rhetoric as “disgusting bigotry,” calling for censure. Meanwhile, Qatar’s ambassador to the US rebuked Fine for Islamophobic comments during an interview with Laura Loomer, a far-right social media influencer.
Fine assumed office last year, replacing Mike Waltz, who served as Trump’s former national security advisor. His re-election bid in November’s midterms hinges on winning the Republican primary in August.
Despite House Democrats condemning his remarks against Ilhan Omar in June as racist and Islamophobic, no formal action was taken. The lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about his use of X as a platform for public engagement and suppression of opposing viewpoints.
