Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, refuses to apologize for a deleted Reddit post that criticized a Purple Heart recipient. The post allegedly said the recipient “didn’t deserve to live” in reference to his actions during a 2012 shootout with the Taliban, where the Purple Heart recipient reportedly protected members of his unit.
According to reports, Platner’s comments have drawn criticism from voters and others who view the remark as disrespectful toward a decorated service member. In coverage of the dispute, Platner does not issue an apology when confronted about the post.
The controversy centers on the content of the earlier online statement and the candidate’s response when questioned publicly. Both outlets report that the post has since been deleted and that the Purple Heart recipient is a central figure in the criticism. The reports do not indicate that any additional charges or official investigations are underway, focusing instead on the candidate’s refusal to apologize and the reaction it has produced among voters.
