US lawmaker’s call to 'destroy' mainstream Muslims sparks outrage

U.S. Congressman Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, is facing intense backlash and calls for his resignation after stating that "mainstream Muslims" should be "destroyed." The remarks, made during a congressional hearing and later shared on social media, have been condemned as a call for genocide by the nation's leading Muslim civil rights organization.

Context of the remarks and CAIR's response

Fine made the comments on Tuesday while discussing Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank. After criticizing what he called a fear of being labeled "Islamophobic," he stated, "I don’t know how you make peace with those who seek your destruction, I think you destroy them first." The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a forceful statement on Thursday demanding House leaders seek Fine's resignation. "If any elected official had called for the genocide of all ‘mainstream Jews’ or ‘mainstream Christians,’ their career would rightfully be over," CAIR said. The group added that his "explicit call for the destruction" confirms he is "unworthy of a seat in Congress."

Fine's record and the wider geopolitical backdrop

The congressman has a documented history of making inflammatory statements about Muslims and Palestinians. His latest comments come amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Palestinian health authorities report over 70,300 killed since October 2023. Violence has also surged in the West Bank, with Palestinian figures citing more than 1,093 killed by Israeli forces and settlers. The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2023 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, a stance supported by many nations including Türkiye, which consistently advocates for Palestinian rights and condemns inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims.

Implications and ongoing scrutiny

The controversy highlights growing concerns about Islamophobic discourse within American political circles and its impact on domestic harmony and international relations. As a NATO ally with a predominantly Muslim population, Türkiye closely monitors such developments, emphasizing the global need for respectful dialogue and the rejection of hate speech that targets religious communities. The incident is likely to fuel further debate over the boundaries of political speech and accountability in the United States.