Ed Danko and U.S. Rep. Randy Fine have parted ways a week after the former Palm Coast City Council member was named Fine’s district director in Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns Counties. Danko resigned well before Fine’s call on Thursday to “nuke” Gaza.
Stephen Shylkofski, named district director for Marion, Lake and Putnam counties–the other counties that form the 6th Congressional District–now appears to be the local district director as well.
“We reached a mutual agreement that the position was not a good fit for me, nor was I a good fit for them,” Danko said today. “It involved administrative duties in the district. And in the end it’s their candy store and they get to run it any way they wish. It was not the way I would run it. No hard feelings between me and the congressman. If anything, more misunderstanding–my role and their expectations.”
Danko served on the Palm Coast City Council between 2020 and 2024. “We’re doubling down on the commitment to constituent service by appointing dedicated leaders for both the inland and coastal regions,” Fine was quoted as saying in a May 12 release on Danko’s and Shylkofski appointments. By week’s end, Danko was no longer the local director.
Esteban Elizondo, Fine’s communications director on Capitol Hill, did not respond to an email sent last Monday about Danko’s departure. (A receptionist said all inquiries had to be sent by email.)
Fine is scheduled to attend Palm Coast’s Memorial Day commemoration at Heroes Park at 8 a.m. Monday and county government’s commemoration at the Government Services Building in Bunnell at 10 a.m. that day, a few days after he called for the extermination of 2 million Palestinians in Gaza by nuclear arms.
Speaking on Fox News Thursday morning, Fine said the Palestinian cause–seeking statehood and the right to exist–“is an evil one.” He was speaking following the murder of two Israeli Embassy employees at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., Wednesday. One of the shooters yelled “free Palestine” as he was being detained by police. Some 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched a war against the enclave after the October 7, 2023 massacre of 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, and the taking of hostages by Hamas.
When a Fox host asked Fine if the shooting changes anything “when it comes to the course of the war or the negotiations to end it,” Fine responded: “I think it speaks to the importance of the only end of the conflict is complete and total surrender by those who support Muslim terror. In World War II we did not negotiate a, a surrender with the Nazis, we did not negotiate a surrender with the Japanese. We nuked the Japanese twice in order to get unconditional surrender. That needs to be the same here. There is sompling [he meant to say “something”] deeply, deeply wrong with this culture, and it needs to be defeated.”
Asked about the propriety of Fine appearing at the local Memorial Day event following that statement, the chief spokesperson for Palm Coast government said she had not been aware of Fine’s remarks, which have still not been widely reported.
Other Republicans have used almost identical language, among them U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina last May, and Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina around the same time, and Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan 14 months ago.
Fine on April 1 won a special election to replace Mike Waltz in the District 6 seat, after Waltz became national security adviser–a job that lasted only a few weeks before Waltz’s ousster, following Waltz’s invitation of a journalist to a national security group chat that discussed military maneuvers in the Middle East.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights and advocacy organization, said in a statement that Fine’s call “constitutes an explicit incitement to violence, endangering American Muslims and Palestinians, by calling for nuclear genocide against more than two million Palestinians, half of whom are children. It represents one of the most dangerous and dehumanizing remarks ever made by a sitting member of Congress and marks an escalation of Fine’s long-standing pattern of inciting violence and bigotry.”
Robert McCaw, CAIR’s government affairs director, said “Randy Fine is not just a dangerous bigot. He is a sitting member of Congress openly fantasizing about the nuclear genocidal extermination of Palestinians.”
As of late this afternoon, none of the nation’s national newspapers or major networks, including Fox, had reported Fine’s remarks. Among national magazines, only The New Republic reported on Fine. “At a minimum,” the magazine editorialized, “Fine should be censured for his remarks, as [U.S. Rep. Rashida] Tlaib was censured for much less by House Republicans. But Fine’s GOP colleagues have engaged in similar bigotry against Palestinians, and several others have also called for nuking Gaza. Fine is unlikely to get even the slightest rebuke from any Republican leader, let alone President Trump, who endorsed him last year.”
Sad story says
The murikkkan backed genocide in Gaza is terrible. 70 percent of the population is or shall we say were children.
Skibum says
In other words, Danko admits he is not even considered to be employable by lunatics.
Deborah Coffey says
Dear People,
Please stop voting for these fools or our suicide rate is going to go up 500%…more than Trump’s tax cuts.
nbr says
Tell him not to come, revoke the invite
Niyfb. Okay says
Come on, he did not say nuke Gaza, he was talking about the free world needing a complete surrender of Hamas.
Just because he mentioned Japan, does not mean he is calling for nuclear war.
T says
Fine is terrible to said horrible things to.
Laurel says
So, a genocidal holocaust is okay as long as it’s the other side? Never again?
If you voted for Fine, do you regret it yet? This you picked over Adam Morely? Fine is maga. Y’all know that, right?
Please, let’s come back to sanity! You can’t hold your noses much longer.
Mj says
Absolutely appalling!!!!
Engin Ruslpostur says
Randy Fine is either insane or a moron. The idea of using nuclear weapons on Gaza is ridiculous. I would hope we have learned something from the horrific outcome of using nuclear weapons in Japan,but apparently Fine missed that history lesson. I am not a supporter of the Palestinian cause but dropping nuclear weapons on them is definitely not the answer! You must be so proud of yourself, palm coast, for electing the fool Randy Fine.
Jim says
A sitting congressman calling for the nuclear genocide of Palestinians should cause a major uproar in this country. Apparently we’re past that point and I guess this kind of leadership is what we want now.
Randy Fine is about as ignorant and mean as you can get. Everyone who voted for him should be so proud.
Shark says
I’m sure all of the low intelligence maggot supporters will be there licking his boots !!!
America First says
Pro Tip: Never vote for someone who cares more about some other country than your own.
Canary says
TLDR: Danko discovered that the position was nothing but a glorified secretary job and decided it was not worthy of his eminent presence.
NJ says
Randy Fine Must CANCEL his attending the Memorial Day events! Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor Americans who gave their lives for America’s FREEDOM! We do NOT need to hear from “NUT JOB” promoting Nuclear War! We must STOP the Promoters of HATE in America NOW! Next, Randy Fine will ask Americans for support when Israel uses Nuclear Weapons to ATTACK Iran!! The IDF has German Submarines which were designed to fire nuclear warhead armed cruise missiles! This is how WWIII can be started because Iran still has a Russia defense agreement was signed during WWII!
Grey Man says
I am not what would be considered “Pro Palestine”, but to call for the use of nuclear weapons is beyond gross. This obese coward is a embarrassment and should have never been elected
JimboXYZ says
“Come on, he did not say nuke Gaza, he was talking about the free world needing a complete surrender of Hamas.
Just because he mentioned Japan, does not mean he is calling for nuclear war.”
Needs to choose his words more carefully ? The Atomic bombs dropped on Japan didn’t spare those that were innocents for Hiroshima & Nagasaki. I will say this much about the WW2 nuclear bomb drops. As my Father was awaiting reassignment in California after Germany surrendered, it spared my Dad from having to be a part of the Pacific Theater. As grotesque as it sounds, those atomic bombs saved American & Japanese lives for ending a war. Decisions of war, fewer casualties vs the many more that will certainly die ? No winners in that choice for the casualties. Doesn’t seem to matter how many Hamas are wiped out, there always seems to be enough remaining to renew their cause. And even when one is weakened for power, another arises. It’s like a drug war, one cartel is the #1 operation, weaken or eliminate that one, either thru Military & Police activity, even their own competition, there is always another #3 Cartel that moves in to fill the vacated top spot. Hamas simply needs to be located and wiped out as a terrorism organization. That much for a relative genocide does need to happen & nobody will miss them.
Kat says
His disgusting statement puts me in a quandary because I go to the remembrance ceremony every Memorial Day and I would not politicize it by bringing a sign. However, I feel like I can’t go out there and be in his presence without acknowledging/protesting his ignorant comments. He is not fit for office, but unsurprisingly the people of this county, state, and country keep voting in people, not fit for office, even when it harms them or those they love.
Jaii Hein says
Maybe a protest during the events. He should not be able to speak..there’s no telling what ignorance will come out of his mouth.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
@Laurel
Josh Weil lost to not so Fine, not Adam Morley who I hope is not done with politics.
Enough is enough says
Wake up Flagler County! STOP electing crazy Republicans! Please!
This man was an absolute disgusting nightmare in the state house. These comments are inline with exactly who he is. Stop being complacent and sitting on the sidelines. If you are still a registered Republican and support these madmen shame on you. Become an NPA or at least a Dem show some sort of opposition. At a minimum do your damn homework. Stop electing psycho carpetbaggers who come here and run because the numbers are in their favor. For my Republican friends, the system is only USING you. They could give an actual shit about us or this district. Stop giving your damn vote away. You get what you elect. God help us for we know not what we do. Smh.
Kennan says
Honestly, this country is an embarrassment to itself. The people in power decide to completely ignore the most in your face, logical, 1+1 = 2 realities.
It is extremely sad and horrific that a crazy person kills two Israelis In DC.(my hometown i might add)
Let’s keep it simple. Randy fine is a racist, Zionist, and above all a MORON. Randy fine wanting to nuke Gaza is no surprise. Randy, fine, like Trump, is a symptom of a far bigger problem.DUMB And RACIST Americans.
Our media, unfortunately, is the spark that lights, or should I say dims the population’s ability to see truth for truth sake. In reality it takes attention away from the two unfortunate individuals that were shot, and places the focal point on a bullshit Antisemitic narrative used so often so that people can forget what they’re seeing in Gaza. It’s a desperate ploy, that in many ways, muddies the memories of two people that were shot and continues to lie about the overall narrative of what is happening in the Middle East.
All these assholes are doing, is pretending to care about two Jewish citizens that were killed, while simultaneously using their deaths as a way to use antisemitism in an attempt to stop the very real conversations about Gaza, because Israel, the media, and the United States foreign policy in the Middle East is a failure as long as they support Israel. AND THEY KNOW IT!!
R.S. says
What Randy Fine thinks of the Judicial branch and the rule of law!!! Here’s a copy of his letter defending the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. In short, Trump’s right; the courts are wrong!
Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding Kilmar Abrego García and President Trump’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws. It is the honor of my life to be able to serve you, and I recognize that you took time from your day to make your voice heard because you care about our country. Thank you for caring.
Kilmar Abrego García, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was deported back to his home country on March 15th, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security, with verification from the Prince George’s County Police Gang Unit, identified Abrego García as a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang. In addition to his ties to MS-13, Abrego García was involved in a suspected human trafficking incident and was accused of domestic violence. He’s a dangerous man and the country is safer without him. Democrats have shown just how dangerous they are by making this monster the poster child for their efforts to protect illegal immigration.
When President Trump was elected by the American people on November 5th, 2025, he promised to protect our borders and, “expel every single illegal alien gang member and migrant criminal operating on American soil.” Since the President took office there have been 139,000 deportations and illegal border encounters are down by 95%. Protecting our borders is a matter of National Security and I stand behind President Trump, Secretary Kristi Noem, and the Administration’s efforts to expel the illegal immigrants who have flooded our nation.
I am committed to protecting American citizens. I will work with the President’s Administration to expel illegal alien criminals. That’s why earlier this year when I was serving you in Florida’s State Senate, I introduced the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, which strengthened Florida’s approach to illegal immigration through coordination by state and federal agencies. In Florida we lead. Now I will do the same for you in Washington.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this issue. If you would like to receive updates about this issue and other news that’s important to our community, please sign up for our newsletter here . Never hesitate to contact me if my office can help you in any way.
Kennan says
PRO TIP:
Here’s a little reality for you America First…. Try not voting for pricks that have only their own personal interests at heart. Try not voting for pricks that hate this country, despise its people, and don’t give a shit about human beings and other parts of the world because they don’t have the moral compass or the humanity to care anyway.
Tom h says
Lookout these maga Nazis actually have the nuclear capability and mental capacity to do such things. I mean they already opened concentration camps and are literally starving the world’s poorest for a dollar! I don’t think the republicon was joking. They are a terrrorist organization by most definitions.
nbr says
So True, well spoken
Laurel says
Nephew: You are correct, thank you. People here simply vote R no matter how good the opposition is. I hope Adam Morely is not done as well. Fine is a crazy ass example of what goes on here. Hopefully, it will stop now.
Sherry says
Thank goodness Danko is “out” regardless of the reason. Fine needs to be “Out” as well. . .what a truly ignorant and horrific person! Flagler, please remember this and vote in those who are NOT Maga Crazy!
MJ says
Memorial Day ceremony is not the place for protest it’s so disrespectful for what that ceremony stands for stop trying to politicize it protest if you must another time another place.
James willow says
Somebody arrest that fat p.o.s. Zionist agent , who the hell would vote for this clown
Cathy says
As a Gold Star Mother, Memorial Day is not just another day, it is sacred. It is a time to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for the ideals of freedom, justice, and humanity. My son and thousands of others made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, and I carry that weight every single day.
I usually remain silent, so as not to offend anyone nor their beliefs, but when someone like Congressman Randy Fine of Florida uses his platform to call for the extermination of 2 million people, many of them innocent children. This is not political opinion. This is inhumane. It is dangerous. And it is everything our fallen heroes stood against.
To allow this kind of rhetoric in our country disgraces their sacrifice.
We must ask ourselves: What kind of nation are we becoming when voices of hate are elevated on days meant to honor the selfless service of the bravehearted men and women and their families who sacrificed their lives for this country?
Memorial Day demands reverence—not cruelty.
Honor must never be used to justify inhumanity.
Let us remember our heroes by standing for what they died for.
My heart breaks when I read such hate which is allowed to be on exhibit on such a sacred day as Memorial Day, the day of “Remembrance and Honor” to our “Fallen Heroes” who so bravely sacrificed their lives for our freedom and our country which I pray for every day, a country which I once upon a time wanted to believe we were a great country, I now question our greatness. What has happened to our country? What has happened to the American People? What has happened to our world?
I am usually at every Memorial Day Ceremony for the las 20 years since I have lived here in Palm Coast, this year I will not be attending at Heroes Memorial Park in Palm Coast but will be attend other Memorial Day Ceremonies outside of Palm Coast, to honor the sacrifices of our Fallen Heroes to give them the proper recognition and Remembrance they so deserve, and their Families.
#GoldStarMother #MemorialDay #HonorTheFallen #SpeakTruth #StandForHumanity #NeverAgain #Never Forget #BrokenheartofaGSM
________________________________________
chanel channing says
HISTORY: USA called for Japan’s “Unconditional Surrender” to end WWll.
The nuclear bomb had never been used. USA called for Japan to surrender and when they refused, they dropped it on Hiroshima and then called for Japan to once again to “unconditionally surrender” and once again Japan refused, so then USA dropped the second bomb and that is when Japan FINALLY surrendered.
The NUCLEAR BOMB has never been used again, and our country is committed to never use it again and Randy fine was just referring to what was done in World War II BACK THEN and how the NAZI’s we’re also forced into “Unconditional Surrender,” he was not suggesting that it be done so now stop twisting the truth.
Larry says
No surprise that Danko didn’t last at his new congressional job. Danko is similar to Palm Coast Mayor Norris as they both seem to cause problems and nonstop drama and chaos.
Marlee says
Josh Weil…..Where are you?????????
What Else Is New says
Fine is far from fine. He is a racist, fascist follower of the criminal president. Write to him and what you receive is a form letter with MAGA talking points full of lies. Randy Fine is not fit for the office he holds and my heart breaks to see local Republicans voted for him merely due to the R beside his name. Did those voters understand his lack of character, his lies and his being a sycophant to the criminal president? Randy Fine needs to step away from the Palm Coast Memorial Service. He is not fit to even be in attendance.
Beach Cat says
Hey, folks. Call Randy Fine’s office and leave a message that he needs to excuse himself from the Palm Coast Memorial Service.
202-225-2706
Nbr says
One key question is, WHO, BY NAME, AND APPROVAL INVITED HIM