NEW YORK: A heated political controversy erupted Monday after Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine labeled New York Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani “little more than a Muslim terrorist.” Fine went even further, demanding that Mamdani’s U.S. citizenship be revoked and that he be deported.
Fine’s Remarks Ignite Political Firestorm
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Fine wrote:
“This is nauseating. Mamdani is little more than a Muslim terrorist. It’s a disgrace he was ever granted citizenship. It should be stripped and he should be deported to the Ugandan s—hole he came from.”
The comments immediately drew widespread backlash online, with critics accusing Fine of Islamophobia and xenophobia. Supporters, however, defended his statement as “a response to anti-Israel rhetoric.”
Mamdani’s Statement on Israel-Hamas Conflict
Fine’s remarks came after Mamdani issued a statement marking the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
While Mamdani condemned the assault as “a horrific war crime,” he also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of waging “a genocidal war” in Gaza and claimed the United States was complicit in the ongoing violence.
Mamdani’s post quickly spread across social media, where it sparked debate over free speech, U.S. foreign policy, and the boundaries of political discourse.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Born in Uganda, Mamdani immigrated to the United States at age 7 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018, according to his official biography.
A self-described Democratic Socialist, he represents Queens in the New York State Assembly and is running for New York City mayor. His campaign focuses on progressive policies such as rent freezes, public transit expansion, and universal childcare.
Growing Tension Over Israel-Gaza Debate
The exchange between Fine and Mamdani underscores the deep divisions within American politics over the Israel-Gaza conflict. As tensions rise ahead of the 2025 election season, both Democrats and Republicans face increasing pressure to define their stance on the war and its broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
