Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, is facing scrutiny over previously deleted online posts advocating for violent political action, a revelation that comes at a time of heightened political violence in the U.S. Platner, a 41-year-old former Marine and oyster farmer, expressed these views on a subreddit in 2018, years before his candidacy against Republican Sen. Susan Collins was announced.

In one of the deleted posts, Platner argued that fighting fascism required owning a semi-automatic rifle, urging readers to understand historical precedents. He also emphasized that an "armed working class" was necessary for economic justice. These comments were part of a broader pattern of engagement on the subreddit r/SocialistRA, where Platner identified as a "communist" and was critical of police.

CNN initially reported on these posts, which Platner removed three months prior to launching his Senate campaign. Despite the deletion, POLITICO was able to verify the posts through an archive of deleted Reddit comments and other posts by the same user that matched Platner's biographical details.

When announcing his Senate run in August, Platner positioned himself against the "liberal" label, advocating for progressive policies like universal health care and restricted arms sales to Israel. He has enlisted Democratic strategist Morris Katz for his campaign, indicating a serious bid for office.

Responding to the controversy, Platner did not deny authoring the posts but distanced himself from their violent rhetoric. He described his past online activity as a misguided response to his disillusionment with the government after his military service. "I was fucking around on the internet at a time when I felt lost... I made dumb jokes and picked fights," Platner explained. He emphasized his current focus as a business owner and veteran, rejecting the socialist label.

The revelations could potentially hinder Platner's campaign, which had been gaining traction among younger Democrats and progressives, underscored by recent endorsements from several influential labor unions.

The issue of political violence remains a sensitive topic, highlighted by other recent incidents, such as the controversial statements by Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones. Platner's past posts and his current disavowal reflect the complex landscape of political expression and the pressures faced by political newcomers navigating past online histories.