HORRIFYING Praise for Terror Attack Rocks Campaign

Three armed silhouettes near a smoky city skyline.

A Marine veteran running for U.S. Senate openly praised Hamas terrorists for slaughtering Israeli soldiers in a graphic 2014 video, calling their raid “damn fine” and “well executed.”

Story Snapshot

Graham Platner, under Reddit username “P-Hustle,” lauded Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades’ tactics in killing at least five Israeli soldiers near Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
Comments resurfaced in April 2026 during his Maine Democratic primary bid against Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner’s past includes a covered-up SS Totenkopf-like tattoo from a post-military “dark period” linked to PTSD.
Bernie Sanders endorses him despite scandals; Chuck Schumer backs rival Janet Mills.
Scandals fuel debates on antisemitism in progressive politics and veteran candidate vetting.

Hamas Raid Draws Tactical Praise from Future Candidate

Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades executed a raid on July 28, 2014, near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, killing at least five Israeli soldiers. Video footage from a soldier’s helmet captured the attack, posted on YouTube the next day by Sabah channel. Graham Platner, then using Reddit username “P-Hustle,” commented on r/CombatFootage starting July 29. He called it a “damn fine looking and successful raid against a superior opponent,” highlighting its audacious planning and execution. Platner acknowledged the brutality yet emphasized professional military aspects, distinguishing it favorably from Iraq insurgents targeting U.S. forces. This focus on tactics over geopolitics set his remarks apart from typical pro-Palestinian discourse.

Platner’s Military Background and Political Rise

Graham Platner served as a Marine machine gunner, suffering PTSD after losing friends in combat. Post-service, he became an oyster farmer in Maine. In August 2025, he launched a U.S. Senate campaign in the Democratic primary, pitching Medicare for All and taxing the wealthy as an anti-establishment progressive. Lacking political experience, he drew buzz from harsh Israel criticism. His bid targets Republican Sen. Susan Collins, with former Gov. Janet Mills as primary rival. Progressive support propelled him, but past actions soon overshadowed policy talk.

Tattoo Scandal Precedes Reddit Exposure

Pre-2025, Platner got a chest tattoo resembling the SS Totenkopf, a Nazi skull symbol, during a “dark period” after military service. Media revealed it early 2026, prompting a cover-up. Platner dismissed it as a Marines drinking night mistake, insisting “I’m not a secret Nazi” and redirecting to policy. Critics likened it to religious extremist or Nazi imagery. This echoed his deleted Reddit history of offensive comments disparaging groups. The tattoo fueled attacks, testing his novice campaign amid broader scrutiny of progressive extremism.

Stakeholders Clash in Primary Battle

Platner defends Reddit comments as “professional standpoint” analysis. Bernie Sanders endorses him, citing PTSD fallout and calling for forgiveness, contrasting it with Trump’s felonies. Jon Lovett of Pod Save America backs Platner against “perfect candidate” demands. Janet Mills criticizes the posts; Chuck Schumer endorsed her post-tattoo as best to beat Collins. Republicans attack relentlessly. Sanders bolsters the progressive flank, while Schumer signals establishment preference. Primary voters decide the March 2026 nomination, with media amplifying divisions.

Impacts Ripple Through Maine Politics

Short-term, scandals damage Platner’s primary chances through voter backlash and media distraction. Long-term, advancement could fracture Maine Democrats, setting precedents for vetting past extremism. Jewish and Israeli advocates decry the Hamas praise; progressives defend tactical focus. Politically, boosts Mills and Schumer while hurting Democratic odds against Collins. Socially, reignites antisemitism debates in left politics. Heightens scrutiny on veteran candidates and progressive recruitment amid Israel-Palestine divides. Common sense demands accountability over excuses—facts outweigh PTSD narratives when praising terror tactics.