Marine Praises Hamas — Now Runs for SENATE

A Marine veteran running for U.S. Senate gushed over Hamas terrorists slaughtering Israeli soldiers in a graphic video, calling their raid “damn fine” and “well executed”—exposing a dark side that now threatens his political dreams.

Story Snapshot

Graham Platner praised Hamas raid killing at least five Israeli soldiers near Kibbutz Nahal Oz in 2014 Reddit posts on r/CombatFootage.
Platner, under username “P-Hustle,” highlighted tactical success against a “superior opponent,” distinguishing it from lesser insurgent attacks.
Posts resurfaced in April 2026 amid his Maine Democratic Senate primary bid against Janet Mills to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
Compounded by past Nazi-like skull tattoo and other offensive online comments, drawing fire from rivals and boosting establishment Democrats.
Bernie Sanders defends Platner citing PTSD, but facts reveal pattern of extremism unfit for leadership.

Hamas Raid Praise Surfaces in 2014

Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades executed a raid on July 28, 2014, against an Israeli military base near Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Attackers killed at least five soldiers in brutal fashion, captured on helmet footage posted to YouTube the next day by Sabah channel. Graham Platner, then using Reddit handle P-Hustle, dove into the r/CombatFootage thread. He marveled at the operation’s audacity.

Platner labeled the assault a “damn fine looking and successful raid against a superior opponent.” He called it a “well executed and successful small unit raid” with an “audacious plan that worked.” While noting the brutality, he focused on professional military execution. He contrasted it positively against Iraq insurgents who botched attacks on U.S. forces. This detached admiration for terrorist tactics raises alarms.

Platner’s Veteran Background and Entry into Politics

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 as an anti-establishment progressive. Platner pushed Medicare for All and taxing the wealthy, criticizing Israel harshly. Lacking experience, he drew progressive buzz challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

His past haunted the bid. Pre-2025, Platner inked a chest tattoo resembling the SS Totenkopf, a Nazi skull symbol, during a self-described “dark period.” Exposure in early 2026 sparked outrage. He covered it up and dismissed it as a drunken Marines night mistake. Critics saw deeper extremism. Deleted Reddit history revealed disparaging comments on groups, fueling scrutiny.

Stakeholders Clash in Heated Primary

Janet Mills, former Maine governor, leads the Democratic primary against Platner. She attacks his posts as disqualifying. Republicans seize the scandals to weaken Democrats ahead of the Collins matchup. Bernie Sanders endorses Platner, insisting on forgiveness for PTSD-driven errors and comparing to Trump’s felonies. Chuck Schumer backs Mills for electability. Jon Lovett from Pod Save America defends against purity tests.

'I Dig It': Maine's Dem Senate Hopeful Apparently Likes Watching Jewish People Die https://t.co/94GW0EpeQ3

— SonnyP (@pas63821) April 16, 2026

Platner defends his Hamas comments as “professional standpoint” analysis from a military view. He denies secret Nazi ties, redirecting to policy. Sanders affirms he sticks by Platner. Schumer prioritizes Mills to beat Collins. Primary voters decide in March 2026. Sanders sways the left base; Schumer taps donors. Media amplifies the chaos, eroding Platner’s novice standing.

Impacts Ripple Through Maine Politics

Short-term, scandals damage Platner’s chances with voter backlash and media distraction. Long-term, advancement could split Maine Democrats, setting vetting precedents for progressives. Jewish and Israeli advocates decry the praise. Progressives face antisemitism accusations. Politically, Mills gains; a Platner nomination hurts Democrats against Collins.

Common sense rejects tactical praise for Hamas murders as mere analysis. Facts show a pattern: Nazi tattoo, offensive posts, Israel barbs. American conservative values demand leaders honor allies like Israel, not glorify their killers. Platner’s defenses ring hollow against archived evidence. Voters deserve better than excuses masked as military insight.