Summary
Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, apologized for having a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Platner said he got the tattoo in 2007 without understanding its connection to Nazi imagery and has since covered it with a new design. He is facing scrutiny over the tattoo and past comments on social media as part of his Senate campaign.
Key Facts
- Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
- Platner apologized for a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he said was unintentional.
- The tattoo seemed to resemble the "Totenkopf," used by Nazi forces in World War II.
- Platner got the tattoo in 2007 while in Croatia with fellow Marines.
- His former political director resigned, calling the tattoo antisemitic.
- Platner has replaced the tattoo with a new design.
- Past social media posts by Platner, including comments about sexual assault and communism, have resurfaced.
- Senator Bernie Sanders, a key supporter, defended Platner, attributing the tattoo choice to being inebriated at the time.
