Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida has sparked outrage after making inflammatory comments about Zohran Mamdani, a New York City Democratic mayoral candidate and Assemblymember. In a post on X, Fine referred to Mamdani as “little more than a Muslim terrorist” and called for his citizenship to be revoked and for him to be deported.
What Happened
Fine’s remarks came in response to a statement by Mamdani on the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack against Israel. While Mamdani condemned Hamas for its “horrific war crime,” he also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government for carrying out what he called “a genocidal war.” Mamdani’s comments continued by accusing the U.S. government of complicity in the violence and calling for an end to the occupation and apartheid, along with a push for diplomacy rather than war crimes.
Fine’s response was swift and harsh, accusing Mamdani of being “little more than a Muslim terrorist” and calling for his deportation. He further claimed that Mamdani should never have been granted U.S. citizenship, referencing his Ugandan birthplace.
Mamdani’s Background
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and moved to the U.S. at the age of 7, became a naturalized American citizen in 2018. He has since been an advocate for progressive causes, calling himself a “Democratic Socialist” and campaigning on issues such as rent freezes, free public transportation, and universal childcare. His positions have made him a controversial figure among conservative circles, especially in light of his statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Response
Mamdani’s campaign has not yet issued a response to Fine’s comments, but the reaction to Fine’s post has been overwhelmingly negative. Many have condemned Fine’s language as hate-filled and divisive, with critics pointing to the dangerous rhetoric of labeling a political figure as a “terrorist” based on their views on foreign policy.
Closing Line:
The exchange between Randy Fine and Zohran Mamdani underscores the deep divisions in American political discourse, particularly regarding issues related to Israel and the Middle East. Fine’s controversial remarks are drawing widespread condemnation, while Mamdani’s stance continues to fuel political debate as he vies for the role of New York City’s next mayor.
