A new investigation reveals that Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, allegedly provided firearms training and recruitment drive assistance for the far-left Socialist Rifle Association (SRA) in 2020.
Platner, who served in the U.S. Marines and later the Army, reportedly led a “defensive handgun course” for SRA members in June 2020, under the guise of “firearms education classes” following the nationwide unrest during Black Lives Matter protests.
Reddit posts reviewed by the investigation show Platner using the alias “P-Hustle” to advertise training events and encourage newcomers to join the Maine chapter of the SRA, describing it as “quite active.” The SRA claims more than 10,000 members and has drawn scrutiny for alleged links to confrontations with law enforcement.
Further controversy has arisen around a tattoo on Platner’s chest resembling a Nazi “Death’s Head” symbol, which he later said was obtained during military service abroad and pledged to remove.
The story raises broader concerns about organized paramilitary training in Maine and possible legal risks under the 2023 state law banning unauthorized paramilitary activity. A former Marine-instructor turned political candidate is now under scrutiny for his links to an extremist-aligned organization.