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 Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine, alleging he violated the First Amendment by blocking an American citizen on X. The suit was filed in collaboration with the Muslim Legal organization, accusing Fine of discriminatory practices in a public forum.

“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 ADC stated in a statement.

The complaint highlights that Fine shared inflammatory anti-Muslim content on his official X account, then blocked Masad after he challenged the remarks, effectively silencing him from engaging in public discourse. The group argues that this action constitutes viewpoint discrimination, as Fine used his platform to express opinions on government matters and subsequently restricted criticism.

Earlier this month, Fine caused outrage by writing on X: “If they force us to choose between dogs and Muslims, the choice is not difficult.” Masad responded with, “Are you asking about what’s for lunch?” at which point Fine blocked him.

Fine’s History of Anti-Muslim Remarks

Before the dog comment, Fine had also claimed that “Palestinian is a synonym for evil.” His rhetoric continued into October, when Qatar’s ambassador to the US issued a rare, direct rebuke to Fine for his Islamophobic and anti-Qatar comments during an interview with far-right social media personality Laura Loomer.

In May 2025, Fine suggested on Fox News that Gaza should be “nuked” like Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II following the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, DC. In June, top Democrats in the House condemned his remarks targeting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, calling them “racist” and “Islamophobic,” though no further action was taken.

Fine is a member of the newly-formed “Sharia Free America Caucus,” established by several Republican lawmakers late last year. The group’s purpose remains unclear, as Islamic Sharia Law is not currently established in the US due to constitutional separation of church and state.

Fine assumed office last year, filling a seat vacated by President Donald Trump’s current US ambassador to the United Nations and former national security advisor, Mike Waltz. He is next up for re-election in November’s midterms, contingent on winning the Republican primary in his Florida district in August.