O’Neill Comments on Platner’s Controversial Posts

Robert O’Neill, the former US Navy SEAL known for his role in Osama bin Laden’s death, has expressed strong criticism of recent comments made by Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Maine. Platner’s social media posts, which have sparked significant controversy, are under scrutiny.

O’Neill characterized Platner’s remarks about a soldier injured in combat as “insane.” In a viral video, Platner disparaged the soldier, saying, “You stupid mother – you didn’t deserve to be alive.” O’Neill described these comments as “completely barbaric,” emphasizing that serving one’s country transcends political disagreements. “When you take an oath to your country, it doesn’t matter what the politics are. It’s about the guy next door. Politics should be out of sight in those moments,” he remarked, adding that such behavior contradicts the values instilled in him.

In his defense, Platner referenced his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a contextual backdrop for his remarks. However, O’Neill dismissed this defense, labeling Platner’s language as “vile hate” and arguing that PTSD should not lead to such extreme statements. “If a person is really wishing for American soldiers to be harmed, I’m not quite sure why they would even pursue treatment,” O’Neill stated.

Moreover, Platner has faced backlash for past comments about Chris Kyle, the renowned Navy SEAL involved in the film “American Sniper.” He implied that Kyle had wrongfully killed civilians to boost his confirmed kill count. O’Neill speculated that jealousy over Kyle’s fame might have influenced Platner’s comments, stating, “Professional jealousy among veterans is rare.”

As the controversy unfolds, some of Platner’s allies have attempted to downplay the situation by referring to his posts as “locker room talk,” but O’Neill is not buying it. He believes the resurfaced messages ultimately demonstrate Platner’s unsuitability for the Senate. “His Nazi tattoo and his wish for soldiers to get shot—these things make him unfit for office,” O’Neill asserted.

Despite the harsh critique, O’Neill recognized that Platner might have acted inappropriately during challenging times, suggesting that his remarks could be attributed to personal struggles or alcohol use. “I can relate. I’ve said things after having a few too many myself,” he admitted, stressing a willingness to see how Platner handles future responses. “I believe in forgiveness,” he added.

Fox News Digital has sought a response from Platner’s team regarding these developments.