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 lawsuit against Randy Fine, a Florida Republican congressman, for allegedly violating free speech rights by blocking an American citizen on X. The case centers on Fine’s actions after the plaintiff, Amjad Masad, challenged his anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Collaborative Legal Action
Working alongside Muslim Legal, the ADC filed the lawsuit, accusing Fine of discriminatory behavior. The group stated in a press release:
“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 (formerly Twitter) account, Fine blocked Mr Masad for mocking his anti-Muslim post.”
The complaint highlights Fine’s use of an official public forum to express views on government matters, followed by his suppression of critics. “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.
Controversial Statements and Public Reactions
Earlier this month, Fine posted on X: “If they force us to choose the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” Masad responded with, “Are you asking about what’s for lunch?” prompting Fine to block him.
In recent weeks, Fine’s X timeline included labeling Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar a “Somali pirate” and calling Khalid Turaani, leader of the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a “Muslim terrorist.” He also urged the government to “deport” Turaani.
Political Context and Historical Incidents
Fine, who assumed office last year, previously made inflammatory remarks, such as claiming “Palestinian is a synonym for evil.” In September 2024, he faced backlash after celebrating the death of Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
His anti-Muslim comments have drawn criticism from progressive lawmakers. California Democrat Ro Khanna remarked in February:
“We must call this what it is. Disgusting bigotry. Fine must be censured. It’s about morality and decency, not politics.”
Recent Condemnation and Electoral Outlook
In May 2025, Fine suggested on Fox News that Gaza should be “nuked” like Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Top Democrats in the House condemned his remarks targeting Congresswoman Omar as “racist” and “Islamophobic,” though no formal action was taken.
Qatar’s ambassador to the US recently rebuked Fine for Islamophobic and anti-Qatar statements made during an interview with Laura Loomer, a far-right social media influencer.
Fine is set to face re-election in November’s midterms, contingent on winning the Republican primary in August. The Sharia Free America Caucus, which he co-founded, advocates for separating Islamic Sharia Law from US governance, despite the constitutional principle of church-state separation.
