Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who faces some challenges in his political journey, has reportedly been involved in providing tactical firearms training for the far-left Socialist Rifle Association, known for its pro-transgender stance.
In a Reddit post under the name P-Hustle, he boasted back in August 2020 about teaching a “handgun defense course” amidst the unrest during the Black Lives Matter protests. The report from Enter Robinson Report, crafted by an investigative journalist in Maine, reveals that Platner described the training as “lots of shooting days, firearms education classes, and building a mutual aid network.” He highlighted the curriculum saying it was designed to enhance members’ firearms proficiency.
Platner seems to have taken steps to grow this community, encouraging newcomers in Maine to join the group, noting their active involvement. Some images circulating on social media show a training session with a man resembling Platner participating.
There’s been significant media attention around the Socialist Rifle Association, especially after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Allegations arose that his killer might have connections to this organization, which claims to have more than 10,000 members and faces scrutiny over its purported role in violent clashes with law enforcement.
Reports indicate that the suspect in Kirk’s murder had a transgender boyfriend at the time. Just three days post-assassination, the Socialist Rifle Association released a statement distancing itself from political motives and asserting that attempts to limit gun ownership for transgender individuals are “politically motivated propaganda,” without mentioning Kirk’s murder.
The association condemned actions by former President Trump and the Department of Justice while stating that the perspective on the “trans shooter problem” lacks a factual foundation.
While the Maine chapter asserts it doesn’t have ties to violence, a recent state law prohibits unlicensed militia training. This could potentially lead to legal implications for Platner if his training is viewed as inciting disorder. Photos from the group’s documentation, showcasing at least 20 individuals engaged in arms training under Platner’s guidance, have been made public.
Some informal online discussions have also featured images of a training session, one of which seemingly shows Platner in action alongside fellow participants. Platner has found himself in hot water due to a skull tattoo on his chest, likened to a Nazi emblem. He claimed on Pod Save America that he got it while unaware of its implications, during a drunken moment in Croatia back in 2007, and he intends to have it removed.
Further scrutiny of Platner’s past has revealed a comment from 2020 where he referenced having tagged “Antifa supersoldier” on his gear, and a deleted post from 2018 where he argued for armed workforce as a necessity for true economic justice, suggesting that historical context should inform those fighting fascism.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders is backing Platner in the Senate race against Democratic Governor Janet Mills, with Platner presenting himself as a left-wing alternative to Mills, who carries the support of the party establishment.
As of now, Platner’s campaign hasn’t provided a comment regarding these developments.
