US senator issued a threat toward Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, using the phrase “Bombs away”

A Florida Republican state senator, who is presently campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Congress, is under extensive criticism for making threatening remarks towards two Muslim Congresswomen. The senator suggested they “consider leaving before I get there,” ending the statement with the hashtag “#BombsAway,” in a post on the social media platform X.

Florida State Senator Randy Fine, commonly referred to by his moniker “The Hebrew Hammer,” has faced significant backlash following a controversial statement directed at Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. This incident occurred shortly after Fine received the endorsement of the Republican Jewish Coalition in support of his congressional bid.

Fine, who has Jewish ancestry, qualifies to relocate to Israeli-controlled territories under the Law of Return. This legislation allows Jews from around the globe to immigrate to the state of Israel. Conversely, Palestinians who were displaced from these areas, including families such as Representative Tlaib’s with historical ties to the region, are not granted the right to return.

Representative Fine’s recent inflammatory statements are part of a longstanding pattern of controversial rhetoric. In 2021, Fine made headlines when he referred to Palestinians using derogatory language, labeling them as “animals,” and further exacerbated tensions by using the hashtag “#BlowThemUp,” which called for their annihilation.

In a recent development, Fine faced a temporary suspension from the social media platform following his tweet regarding the killing of an American-Turkish activist by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank. He stated, “Throw rocks, get shot. One less #MuslimTerrorist,” sparking controversy and attracting significant backlash.

In a statement made last month, Fine addressed the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ concerns regarding the destruction resulting from Israeli military operations, dismissing them with a blunt response, stating, “Who cares.”

Progressive lawmakers’ unwavering support for Gaza and Palestine has made them focal points of controversy since the onset of escalated Israeli military actions in October 2023.

In the previous year, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib received a security briefing from the U.S. Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms due to potential threats. The legislators were subjected to threatening voicemails that included profane and violent language, one of which labeled Omar as a “terrorist Muslim.” Another alarming message indicated that a vigilante group purportedly had access to their addresses and distributed this information to criminals.

In a disturbing voicemail, a male caller, who claimed affiliation with a militant group, expressed violent threats towards the recipient. He stated, “I’m eager for the day our group confronts you, so I can remove your headscarf…” and further remarked, “I hope the Israelis eradicate every one of you.”

In her statement, Omar articulated that she, along with other Muslim Americans, has endured “dishonest smears.” She asserted that this misleading portrayal has fostered an atmosphere that facilitates the spread of threats and harassment.

Shortly following her comments, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib maintained her position and chose not to issue an apology for her statement attributing responsibility for an airstrike on a Gaza hospital to “Israel.” Her remarks have faced considerable backlash from Republican figures.

Representative Rashida Tlaib joined thousands of protestors at a rally organized by the progressive organization Jewish Voice for Peace on the National Mall, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Tlaib, delivering an emotive speech, frequently paused to convey her distress and to criticize fellow lawmakers who have yet to endorse a ceasefire resolution.