Florida freshman Representative Randy Fine ignited a firestorm on 9 July after labeling Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar a “Muslim terrorist” in a social-media post responding to her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest visit to Washington. House Democratic leaders—Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar—issued a joint statement calling the language “unhinged, racist and Islamophobic” and warning that such rhetoric fuels political violence. They demanded Fine apologise immediately, citing a recent right-wing assassination plot that targeted Minnesota officials, including Omar. Several rank-and-file Democrats urged Speaker Mike Johnson to censure Fine. The Florida Republican dismissed the backlash, writing that “The Hamas Caucus is upset. Boo hoo,” and offered no apology. Johnson has not commented. Fine, elected in a special election in April, is one of the newest members of the House. Omar, elected in 2018 and among the first Muslim women to serve in Congress, said normalising anti-Muslim bigotry endangers her life and that of other Muslims. The episode underscores the heightened tensions in Congress amid ongoing debates over U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza.
Randy Fine blasts Ilhan Omar as ‘Muslim terrorist’ for criticisms of Netanyahu https://t.co/MH7YFsg6py
Islamophobia has no place in our country. Rep. Randy Fine's comments are vile, racist, and beneath an elected official who serves in the people's house. This kind of bigotry should not be tolerated. https://t.co/CfkU2G6wJK
Randy Fine’s vile, racist attack on Rep. Omar is beneath the dignity of the House. His remarks are an affront to the fundamental values of the American Jewish community, and do not reflect the basic standards of decency expected of any elected official. This kind of bigotry is a https://t.co/MHluXSRDZ7