Civil rights group sues anti-Muslim Congressman Randy Fine for blocking US citizen on X
Civil Rights Organization Files Lawsuit Against Congressman Randy Fine Over X Block
On Wednesday, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) announced a federal lawsuit against Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine, accusing him of violating the First Amendment by blocking an American citizen who challenged his views on X. The complaint highlights Fine’s use of his official social media platform to express anti-Muslim sentiments, then silencing critics who engage with his rhetoric.
Collaborative Legal Action
The ADC collaborated with Muslim Legal to initiate the legal action. In a statement, the group described Fine as “a member of the newly-formed ‘Sharia Free America Caucus,’ who is accused of viewpoint discrimination by cutting off public discourse through his platform.”
“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 Masad for mocking his anti-Muslim post,” the ADC said in a statement. “The lawsuit challenges Fine’s blatant viewpoint discrimination by using an official public forum to speak about government business, then silencing critics who respond to his rhetoric,” the group added.
Incident Details
Earlier this month, Fine sparked controversy by posting on X: “If they force us to choose between dogs and Muslims, it’s not a difficult one.” Masad, an American citizen, replied with “Are you asking about what’s for lunch?” prompting Fine to block him.
In another instance, Fine’s X timeline on Thursday showcased him labeling Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as a “Somali pirate” and calling Ohio-based Muslim activist Khalid Turaani a “Muslim terrorist.” These remarks were made alongside his campaign to promote the “Sharia Free America Caucus,” which was launched by Republican lawmakers late last year.
Historical Context and Recent Criticisms
Fine had previously faced backlash in September 2024 for celebrating the death of Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. His comments were seen as Islamophobic, drawing widespread criticism.
More recently, in May 2025, Fine suggested on Fox News that Gaza should be “nuked” like Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II after the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, DC. In June, top Democrats in the House condemned his remarks targeting Congresswoman Omar as “racist” and “Islamophobic,” though no further action was taken.
Continued Outcry
California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna joined the growing criticism, stating in February: “We must call this what it is. Disgusting bigotry. Fine must be censured. It’s about morality and decency, not politics.”
Qatar’s ambassador to the US also issued a rare, direct rebuke to Fine in October for his Islamophobic and anti-Qatar remarks during an interview with far-right social media figure Laura Loomer.
Fine assumed office last year, replacing President Donald Trump’s former national security advisor and UN ambassador, Mike Waltz. He is set to face re-election in November’s midterms, contingent on winning the Republican primary in his Florida district in August.
