House Democratic leaders are calling for an apology from Representative Randy Fine (R-Fla.), following comments he made suggesting that Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was affiliated with terrorists. The backlash came after Fine's controversial remarks on the social media platform X, where he responded to Omar's criticism of Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu by associating her with "Muslim terrorists."

In a strongly worded joint statement, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) condemned Fine's words as "unhinged, racist, and Islamophobic," further labeling them as "bigoted and disgusting." They emphasized the timing of the remarks, coming shortly after a series of politically motivated violent attacks in Minnesota, including a plot to assassinate elected officials.

"This is an incredibly difficult time for our nation, and Members of Congress should be solving problems for the American people, not inciting violence," the Democratic leaders stated. "Randy Fine must apologize immediately."

Fine, who took office after a special election in April, has quickly become a polarizing figure in Congress. His comment on X was a reaction to Omar's post that grouped Netanyahu with "war criminals," to which Fine retorted, "I'm sure it is difficult to see us welcome the killer of so many of your fellow Muslim terrorists. The only shame is that you serve in Congress."

Representative Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, has been vocal in her criticism of the Israeli government's policies. Notably, Omar was also listed as a potential target in a recent assassination plot by Vance Boelter, who is accused of targeting Democratic officials in Minnesota.

Jackie Rogers, a spokesperson for Omar, described Fine as "a dangerous hateful man, whose only purpose in Congress thus far has been advocating for nuking Gaza, celebrating the death of children, and calling anyone who disagrees with his genocidal mindset a terrorist."

As of now, a spokesperson for Fine has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the tone and content of political discourse in Congress, especially in times of national crisis and heightened security concerns.